Netflix halts streaming in Russia

On Monday, Netflix Inc. pulled out its service in Russia in response to Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.

The streaming giant had halted its acquisitions and operations in the country earlier this week.
Subsequently, the US-based platform had four Russian-language series in production and post-production.

This includes a contemporary retelling of Anna Karenina, the streamer’s first original Russian series, and Zato, a detective drama.

Netflix is the world’s leading streaming platform, operating with 221.80 million subscribers at the end of 2021.

However, the Russian market makes up a relatively small percentage of the company’s overall numbers. The firm has just under 1.00 million subscribers in Russia.

At the same time, the Ukrainian Film Academy asked the worldwide audience to turn back on Russian cinema. In the stated case, the Cannes Film Festival has cited solidarity with Ukraine.

Meanwhile, fears of escalating geopolitical tensions continue to mount.

On Sunday, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky warned Russian troops that he would punish those who committed atrocities.

Subsequently, eight Ukrainian civilians died as evacuations were underway, including the death of a family who attempted to flee.

Eventually, Russia has instructed all state-owned websites and services to switch to the Russian domain name system starting March 11.

This move triggered worries that Moscow now initiates active preparations for disconnection from the global internet.

Furthermore, the United States also condemned the new Russian law, threatening prison sentences of up to 15 years for journalists.

Accordingly, the “Anti Fake-News” rule would make it illegal to report any event that could discredit its military.

In line with this, Netflix declined to add state-run channels to its Russian service. This decision is despite a regulation that has required the business to distribute Moscow-backed media.

Tiktok pulls out in Russia, following Netflix

Netflix joined a host of companies that have struck hard stances against Russia, either pulling service or halting sales.

For instance, video-sharing giant TikTok had suspended live streaming and new content from its platform in Moscow.

The Chinese company said it currently assesses the newly imposed laws to crack down on fake news.

TikTok has around 36.00 million users in Russia. The platform noted that its latest move was about ensuring the safety of its staff and users.

Early last week, Disney also announced a pause in all film debuts in the country. This decision includes the new Pixar film Turning Red.

Correspondingly, Warner Bros., Sony, Paramount Pictures, and Universal followed.