Cornered by the international community, Russia has to deal with the departure of Netflix and TikTok.
The Russian boycott continues. One by one, the big companies are deserting the country of Vladimir Putin, in reaction to the invasion of Ukraine that began several days ago. After video games, cinema and social networks, a new wave of boycotts hit the country this weekend, plunging Russians even further behind closed doors.
Netflix leaves Russia
After several warning shots, Netflix finally followed through on its threats. The SVOD giant had already announced that it was suspending all future projects and acquisitions from the Kremlin, including a series of crime thrillers directed by artist Dasha Zhuk. A few days ago, the Red N pushed the cursor a little further, refusing to broadcast the 20 Russian propaganda channels it was required to host, in accordance with the legislation in force in the country.
From now on, the Kremlin will have to do without Netflix. “Given the circumstances on the ground, we have decided to suspend our service in Russia”, said a spokesperson for the company. The platform is now inaccessible in the country, joining the long list of film market players who have already deserted. If the streaming service is not frankly dominant in Russia (1 million subscribers since its launch in 2016, estimates variety), his departure, coupled with that of many others, could have serious consequences on the economy of the country, which is increasingly closed in on itself.
Even heavier for the Kremlin, Netflix will now stream its documentary for free Winter on Fire: Ukraine’s Fight for Freedomcentered on the Ukrainian protests that occurred between 2013 and 2014 after the pro-Russian decisions of former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych.
TikTok suspends its activity, but wants to please Putin
It must be said that the Reed Hastings firm is not the only one to have slammed the door in Russia’s face. Financial players are also embarrassing the country, especially since the departure of Visa and Mastercard, which confirmed in a press release that they would cease “all transactions over the next few days”. For several weeks now, countless companies have decided to openly support the Ukrainian resistance. Thus, Microsoft, Apple and Dell, but also Samsung, IKEA, Nike or even Panasonic and PayPal have confirmed their departure from the country.
For its part, however, TikTok announced a very different decision. The social network has thus confirmed that it would ban the creation of content from Russia until further notice… so as not to offend the Kremlin. An astonishing decision, taken following a new law passed last week on disinformation. On social networks in particular, the text provides for penalties of up to 15 years in prison in the event of the dissemination of “fake news” on the Russian army or public opposition to Vladimir Putin’s regime.
