A new Russian media regulation has prompted Spotify Technology SA (SPOT.N) to announce that it will cease its streaming service in the nation, effective immediately.
The audio streaming company announced earlier this month that it will close its operations in Russia indefinitely, citing what it termed as Moscow’s “unprovoked attack against Ukraine.”
According to Russia’s new legislation, it is now forbidden to report any event that could bring the Russian military into disrepute.
According to a statement from Spotify, the company has maintained its belief that it is essential important to try to keep its service functioning in Russia so that it may continue to bring credible, independent news and information from the region. Spotify’s staff’ safety, as well as the prospect of our listeners’ safety, is jeopardised by recently enacted legislation further restricting access to information, reducing freedom of expression, and criminalising some forms of news.”
According to a source with direct knowledge of the situation, the service is scheduled to be discontinued in early April.
Another streaming provider, Netflix, halted service in Russia earlier this month after stating that it had no plans to add state-run channels to its Russian service, despite a rule requiring it to do so. Netflix was the second streaming service to suspend service in Russia.
