Netflix investigated in Russia, here’s why

Hard times for foreign companies operating in Russia: while 13 major players in the tech sector will have to open local offices by the end of the year to avoid sanctions, even Netflix has ended up in the crosshairs of local authorities. Investigating the activities of the streaming giant is the public commissioner for the protection of families, who accused the company of having violated a local law that prohibits gay propaganda.

The regulator argues that some Netflix content with LGBT themes has been classified as suitable for people aged 16 and over, but national legislation does not allow the dissemination of propaganda about unconventional sexual relations.

NETFLIX RISKS A STOP IN RUSSIA

The complaint of the Commissioner was sent to the Interior Ministry, after having assessed and evaluated as grounded, may have penalties for Netflix, ranging from a fine of up to 1 million rubles, about 12,000 euro to obligation to temporarily suspend activities. If the amount of the pecuniary sanction can be considered negligible for Netflix’s coffers, the ban on operating in Russia would be much more penalizing, albeit for a limited duration.

However, a Netflix source denies the commissioner: based on the content review carried out in early November, no LGBT content was classified as suitable for users aged 16 and over. To arrive at a fixed point, it will be necessary to wait for the Russian interior ministry to express itself.

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Meanwhile, the newspaper that bounced the news online (Vedomosti) underlines how the action against Netflix could not be isolated: by the end of the month – says the source – local authorities could also ban other streaming services that offer films. and TV series depicting non-traditional sexual relationships and sexual deviations.

EUROPEAN COURT OF HUMAN RIGHTS: DISCRIMINATORY LAW

The law on homosexual propaganda, which entered into force in Russia in 2013, was found to be discriminatory by the European Court of Human Rights in 2017. Amnesty International at the time commented on the Court’s ruling underlining how that law had always been homophobic, discriminatory and contrary to the right to freedom of expression, and adding that the entry into force reinforced the climate of homophobia and violence against LBGT people in Russia. Four years later, despite Europe’s stance and activists’ protests, we are talking about the controversial legislation that could now also affect the world of streaming.

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