Netflix refuses to stream Russian State Programs

Netflix has announced that the streaming platform plans to defy Russian regulation that requires it to host Russian state programs. Prior to Netflix, many other media companies have also announced to restrict the Russian state media in response to its invasion of Ukraine.

Netflix registered as a streaming service in Russia requires streaming 20 Russian state channels from entertainment-focused shows to programming by the Russian Orthodox Church. Given the current situation, the company has decided not to add those channels to its services.

According to a report in The Wall Street Journal, the presence of Netflix in Russia is small having a subscribers count under 1 million out of 222 million globally. Earlier to Ukraine invasion, the company has been continuously engaged in growing its presence in Russia. It also announced its first-ever Russian original drama called “Anna K.”

Other than Netflix, Disney, Warner Bros, and Sony have also paused their theatrical releases in Russia. Russian state media outlets Russia Today and Sputnik are also restricted on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok from their social media access to them.