© Reuters. FILE PHOTO: Broken Ethernet cable is seen in front of Russian flag and Spotify logo in this illustration taken March 11, 2022. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic
By Dawn Chmielewski
(Reuters) -Spotify Technology SA said on Friday it will suspend its streaming service in Russia in response to the country’s new media law.
The audio streaming platform closed its office in Russia indefinitely earlier this month, citing what it described as Moscow’s “unprovoked attack on Ukraine.”
Russia’s new legislation makes it illegal to report any event that could discredit the Russian military.
“Spotify (NYSE:) has continued to believe that it’s critically important to try to keep our service operational in Russia to provide trusted, independent news and information from the region,” Spotify said in a statement. “Unfortunately, recently enacted legislation further restricting access to information, eliminating free expression, and criminalizing certain types of news puts the safety of Spotify’s employees and the possibility of even our listeners at risk.”
The service is expected to end in early April, according to one person with knowledge of the situation.
Another streaming service, Netflix (NASDAQ:), suspended service in Russia earlier this month after saying it had no plans to add state-run channels to its Russian service, despite a regulation that would require it to do so.
Fusion Media or anyone involved with Fusion Media will not accept any liability for loss or damage as a result of reliance on the information including data, quotes, charts and buy/sell signals contained within this website. Please be fully informed regarding the risks and costs associated with trading the financial markets, it is one of the riskiest investment forms possible.
Be the first to comment