- Vietnam’s Cinema Department has ordered Netflix to remove the 27-episode series “Shine on me” from its site and app within 24 hours.
- Authorities say episodes contain map images showing an illegal “U-shaped line” that violate Vietnam’s sovereignty.
- The series was classified C (prohibited) under the 2022 Law on Cinematography; Netflix must report removal by Jan. 4, 2026.
H2: What Vietnam’s notice to Netflix says
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism’s Cinema Department issued a formal notice on January 3, 2026, after finding that the series “Shine on me” was available to viewers in Vietnam via Netflix’s website and app. The department says the drama — rated T13 and listed as a 27-episode series (currently available up to episode 25 in Vietnam) — includes multiple map images depicting the so-called “U-shaped line.” Authorities flagged a specific sequence in episode 25 (from 32:10 to 34:03) as containing an inaccurate map that infringes Vietnam’s national sovereignty.
H2: Legal basis for the removal order
The Cinema Department classified “Shine on me” as a C-rated film, meaning it is prohibited from distribution. The department cited Point d, Clause 1, Article 9 of the 2022 Law on Cinematography as the legal basis for that classification. Under Clause 2, Article 15 of Government Decree No. 131/2022/ND-CP (dated Dec. 31, 2022), the department required Netflix to remove the film from its site and app within 24 hours from 9 p.m. on January 3, 2026.
Netflix is also required to submit a written report to the Cinema Department confirming the removal by 10 p.m. on January 4, 2026.
H3: What this means for viewers and Netflix
For viewers in Vietnam, the notice means “Shine on me” must disappear from Netflix’s Vietnam catalogue if the streaming service complies with the order. The series had been available to subscribers aged 13 and older under Netflix’s T13 rating.
For Netflix, the action underscores the need to comply with local content and sovereignty laws. Platforms operating in multiple countries often face differing legal and regulatory standards; in this case Vietnam’s authorities have used established cinematography law and government decree to demand immediate removal.
H4: Timeline and next steps
- Jan. 3, 2026: Cinema Department issues notice to Netflix at 9 p.m., requiring removal within 24 hours.
- Jan. 4, 2026: Netflix must submit a removal report by 10 p.m. to the Cinema Department.
The ministry’s notice concludes with a formal requirement for the streaming platform to act promptly. Vietnam’s regulatory response highlights how depiction of disputed or sensitive geography can trigger swift action under national law.
H5: Image referenced
The department published a screenshot from the film showing a map with the contested U-shaped line as part of its assessment.
Image Referance: https://vietnamnews.vn/politics-laws/1733161/viet-nam-requests-netflix-to-remove-film-over-maps-featuring-u-shaped-line.html
