Netflix said it does not intend to submit to a Russian law that imposes certain obligations on it. A decision taken in the light of the war in Ukraine, and which could lead to reprisals from the regulator.
It’s a decision that should probably lead to the exclusion of Netflix from Russia. As the war continues to rage in Ukraine, the American subscription video-on-demand service has clearly decided to fight back: according to the Wall Street Journal, which reports the words of a spokesperson for the SVOD giant the February 28, 2022, Netflix will disregard a Russian law.
This requires video platforms exceeding the threshold of 100,000 subscribers in Russia to broadcast around twenty Russian channels. However, it is estimated that Netflix has more than a million subscribers in the country (and probably many more viewers, given the very common practice of sharing passwords between Internet users).
” Given the current situation, we have no plans to add these channels to our service “, thus declared the spokesperson, in reference to the war in the east of Europe. As a result, Russian regulator Roskomnadzor, whose role is to oversee media, communications and information technology, could ban Netflix from operating in the country.
The channels in question are of a diverse nature (news, sport, entertainment). However, it turns out that the vast majority of the media in Russia does not have the possibility of having an editorial line independent of the Kremlin. On the whole, the channels, radios and newspapers relay Vladimir Putin’s narrative which suggests that Russia had to defend itself.
According to foreign correspondents present in Russia and who have the possibility of consulting the content of the Russian media, many terms linked to the Russian invasion are thus prohibited. Moreover, it is not a question of an invasion, but of a special operation. Russian casualties are not mentioned, and it is claimed that civilians are not targeted.
Europe attacks Russian propaganda by targeting RT France and Sputnik
This problem of propaganda is not limited to the borders of Russia. It is also a subject in Europe and in particular in France with the presence of channels like Russia Today (RT France) and Sputnik, which are more than ever accused of being relays of influence from Moscow. Today, Europe is clearly moving towards a banishment of these chains.
The sidelining of RT France and Sputnik, as well as other similar bodies, will not be limited to television airwaves. It is also planned to put a sanitary cordon on the Internet so that it can no longer be accessed in Europe via social networks, search engines or mobile applications. Statements to this effect were made at the end of February.
” I just spoke with Susan Wojcicki, CEO of YouTube. Europe and France are determined to take all measures to combat Russian propaganda on the territory. Tomorrow I will bring together the French representatives of the main social networks », indicated February 27 Cédric O, the Secretary of State in charge of digital.
” Online platforms took unprecedented action after the Capitol attacks. It is obvious that Russian war propaganda deserves at least the same level of response. Important coordination call now with YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki and Google CEO Sundar Pichai », declared for his part Thierry Breton, European Commissioner, on 27 February.
And the platforms follow these requests: blockages on the accounts of RT France and Sputnik have been taken by TikTok, Facebook and YouTube. Others may follow. As for TV, the French regulator (Arcom) can decide, but Europe intends to have control over it. It remains to find the right legal strategy, which is not yet known.
