Amazon Mistakenly Screens 15-Rated Film Instead of PG Movie for Child

Amazon recently faced backlash after a significant error led to a 15-rated film being shown to a child instead of the intended PG-rated movie. This mix-up occurred when a parent rented “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” through its Prime Video service. Instead of the children’s film, the streaming service erroneously played “Love & Other Drugs,” which is known for its explicit content.

Details of the Incident

The British Board of Film Classification has classified “Love & Other Drugs” as containing “strong sex and sex references.” Following the incident, the parent raised concerns to Ofcom, the media regulator, reporting that the streaming service did not meet necessary guidelines.

Ofcom’s Involvement

Ofcom investigated the matter and confirmed that Amazon breached its regulations. While the tech firm has apologized for the mishap, it clarified that the issue resulted from a licensing error. Both films had been assigned the same internal code, which is supposed to be distinct.

Customer Reactions and Company Response

• Amazon acknowledged the error and made corrections within 48 hours of the incident.
• During this period, 122 customers attempted to watch “Diary of a Wimpy Kid.”
• Amazon updated its internal processes to prevent future occurrences.

In its findings, Ofcom noted that the complainant’s children were expected to watch a film deemed appropriate for younger viewers. The parent, who attempted to resolve the issue directly with Amazon multiple times, ultimately turned to Ofcom when no response was received.

Implications for Parents

The incident highlights the importance of appropriate content control on streaming platforms. Parents trust these services to provide suitable viewing options for their children. As streaming technology evolves, ensuring accurate age ratings and content delivery remains crucial.

In conclusion, while Amazon has committed to fixing its processes, instances like this remind consumers to remain vigilant about the content their children access online.