Popular streaming platform Netflix has said it will not comply with Russian rules that mandates it to Stream and distribute 20 Russian channels. The company makes this announcement following reports that it will soon be mandated by a new law to distribute these Channels.
According to reports making rounds online, the video streaming platform was one of the numerous services added to a register by the Russian media regulators. The new law Requires content distributors of over 100,000 subscribers To broadcast 20 Russian channels. Although this law Is not fully in effect yet, video streaming platform Netflix has declined the mandate. According to a Netflix spokesperson, who pleaded to be anonymous stated that “Given the current situation, we have no plans to add these channels to our service,”
Some of the channels the Russian media regulators are mandating content distributors to broadcast their content Include SPA, Channel One etc. These channels are said to have very strong government backing and have aided the spread of propaganda that has favoured the Russian narrative in the ongoing crisis.
In December a report emerged online citing Netflix as one of the content distributors listed to broadcast Russian channels. Netflix is known for streaming TV shows, movies and don’t offer live broadcasting services in any of its markets globally. Although it’s unclear when the new law will start t take effect reports to say once the Russian laws go into effect, channels may be forced to broadcast Russian channels.
It’s unclear the extent Netflix’s refusal to comply can go, but it’s believed that this could result in a ban on the platform, while Netflix adds to the list of tech companies currently undergoing pressure in Russia. Following the attack on Ukraine, Russia has continued to pressure tech companies into accepting new terms to guide their business operations within the country. On such list is Facebook, which is currently on a temporary restriction in Russia as a result of its refusal to put an end to fact-checking for state-owned media entities.
