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Netflix is the latest big-tech firm to join the bandwagon of companies, suspending
their services in Russia to protest the country’s full-scale invasion
of Ukraine.
“Given the circumstances on the ground, we have decided to
suspend our service in Russia,” a spokesperson for Netflix said.
Previously the streaming giant had paused all future
projects and acquisitions from Russia.
Netflix also refused to carry 20 Russian free-to-air
propaganda channels that it was required to host under Russian law.
Netflix is not the only media enterprise to boycott Russia.
All of the major studios have announced they will stop releasing their films in
Russia.
The Walt Disney Company, which owns Marvel Studios, 20th
Century Studios, Pixar and other film properties, announced Monday that it
is pausing its release of theatrical films in Russia.
Distancing themselves from Russia
Companies such as Microsoft, Apple and Dell have suspended
sales in the country, while Ikea has closed stores. Shell, Nike, H&M and
Boeing have cut ties or temporarily suspended sales in Russia. Nike has said it
will no longer fulfill online orders.
On Sunday, TikTok announced that it would suspend live-streaming and new
content to its video service in Russia, while it reviews the “safety
implications” of Russia’s law.
The new law, which went into effect Friday, bans any content
the Russian government deems “fake news” about its military. Any such published
content is punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
(Inputs from BBC)
Picture Credits: Netflix