Netflix and TikTok discontinue their services in Russia

Russia’s digital isolation continues. With Netflix and TikTok, two more major providers are completely suspending their services in the country due to the Ukraine war. Another reason for this, however, is the new law against fake news. Netflix is also reacting to the propaganda requirements that were to apply to the streaming provider from March.

Netflix suspends service in Russia

“Given the circumstances on the ground, we have decided to suspend our service in Russia,” a Netflix spokesperson revealed in an interview with US magazine Variety. As of now, registration for new users is no longer available in Russia. Existing customers, meanwhile, can continue to use the streaming service until the next debit is due. Then the subscription will be automatically terminated.

This is the latest consequence for Netflix, after the company had already confirmed a few days ago that it would not fulfill the country’s propaganda requirements and would not make any Russian news channels available via the platform. With this move, Netflix follows the example of various tech companies and Hollywood studios such as Disney, Warner Bros. and Universal, which already announced that they would no longer make their movies available in Russia.

However, this should not hit Netflix particularly hard. Of its 221.8 million subscribers at the end of 2021, Russia accounts for just under one million.

TikTok discontinues video function

Social network TikTok, on the other hand, has completely shut down its video function in Russia in response to Russia’s new law against spreading “fake news” related to the Ukraine war.

It had no choice but to temporarily suspend direct broadcasting and uploading of new content, the company explained, “until we have studied the possible consequences for the safety of our employees and users”. Only the Messenger function of the short video service can currently continue to be used, it added.

What does the Russian law against fake news say?

On March 04, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin issued a new law that includes drastic prison sentences for anyone who shares “unflattering” coverage of the Russian military. Up to 15 years in prison could be imposed for spreading what Putin says is “false news.” Foreigners are also affected by the law.