Netflix said on Monday that it has no plans to add state-run channels to its Russian service under the current circumstances, despite a rule that would require the streaming service to distribute state-backed channels.
“Given the current situation, we have no plans to add these channels to our service,” said one Netflix The spokesman referred to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in a statement.
Politico first reported that Netflix, which launched its service in Russia in October 2020, will fall under new Russian rules requiring compliance on March 1.
The regulations, overseen by Russia’s communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, require audiovisual services with more than 100,000 subscribers in that country to deliver 20 free-to-air news, sports and entertainment channels.
A Netflix spokesperson declined to comment at the time or whether the company has held talks with Russian regulators. It is not clear how the service will be affected by its decision.
Russia is one of 190 countries where Netflix is available.
© Thomson Reuters 2022
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