Spotify will suspend all services in Russia over the country’s expanded “fake news” rules to restrict media coverage of its war against Ukraine.
The streaming platform, known for its commentary, music streaming, and political podcasts, said Russia will be cut off by early April after Spotify already closed its office in Russia and restricted listeners’ ability to find podcasts by Russian state media.
“Spotify has continued to believe that it’s critically important to try and keep our service operational in Russia to provide trusted, independent news and information in the region,” a spokesperson for the platform told the Hill. “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 possibly even our listeners at risk.”
TIKTOK SUSPENDS LIVESTREAMING IN RUSSIA FOLLOWING RUSSIA’S NEW ‘FAKE NEWS’ LAW
A law signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin on March 4 prohibits “disinformation” about the Russian military and its operations in Ukraine, including referring to the Russian invasion of Ukraine as a “war” instead of a “special military operation.” Transgressions are punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
Some media companies, such as the New York Times and CNN, have withdrawn their reporters from the country, while the Washington Post removed bylines and datelines in an effort to protect journalists in Russia. TikTok suspended its livestreaming in Russia due to the law.
More than 100 corporations and companies have protested against the invasion more broadly, thus ending their services in Russia, including Starbucks, McDonald’s, and Ferrari.
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The three largest record companies, Universal Music Group N.V., Sony Group Corp.’s Sony Music Group, and Warner Music Group Corp., have all closed their offices in Russia as well, according to the Wall Street Journal.
