Netflix says it has “no plans” to make 20 free-to-air TV channels in Russia that Russian law might require.
ome of channels, including news, sports and entertainment, which are believed to be suitable for the Russian authorities.
The streaming giant localized its services in Russia just over a year ago and in December 2021 was added to the registry of audiovisual services by Russian regulator Roskomnadzor, after reaching more than 100,000 subscribers.
Because of this, Netflix is in theory required to be part of a law, known locally as the Vitrina TV law, to distribute 20 “must-have” TV channels.
Given the current situation, we have no plans to add these channels to our service.Netflix Spokesperson
However, the PA news agency understands that the law has not been fully implemented despite speculation that it will be implemented on March 1.
“Given the current situation, we have no plans to add these channels to our service,” a Netflix spokesperson said in a statement.
The streaming giant’s operations in Russia are still small and there are no offices or employees in the territory.
Netflix now continues to offer its services to Russian members while closely monitoring the situation in Ukraine.
https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/netflix-has-no-plans-to-host-channels-required-by-russian-law-41396709.html Netflix ‘has no plans’ to host channels required by Russian law