The New Zealand Chief Censor has issued a warning to Netflix viewers following concerns about a documentary-drama that shows short excerpts of the live-stream video from the March 15th terror attacks in Christchurch.

The Classification Office received a complaint about Social Dilemma and Chris Lynch’s Facebook page received complaints from local residents who were shocked to see the clip in the documentary.

Chief Censor David Shanks said “I classified the live-stream as an unlawful objectionable publication for its promotion of terrorism and extreme violence.”

“As we detailed in guidance issued at the time, classification of the live-stream in its entirety did not mean that every excerpt from the live-stream was also unlawful, although we urged media to demonstrate extreme care and good judgement in the treatment of any such material.”

”I watched Social Dilemma documentary and thought it had merit, but was concerned that we currently have a particularly vulnerable population in relation to this category of material.”

“Survivors and relatives of those who were subject to the attack have only recently worked through the sentencing process.”

”I asked Netflix to change the age advice for this documentary from 7+ to 13+ and to add a warning for “Violence, including brief images from the Christchurch terror attacks, suicide references and content that may disturb”.

“I also suggested another option would be to remove the clip.”

David Shanks said I appreciate Netflix making this change for us.

“A recent law change means that in future Netflix, and other commercial video on demand content, will be covered by NZ ratings and info but until that comes into effect its good will like this that enables New Zealanders to get appropriate warnings.”