Netflix said it would not distribute some state-run channels in Russia under a new law, after reports it could soon be forced to carry those networks.
Variety reported Monday that Netflix was one of some of the services added to the register of content publishers maintained by Russia’s media regulator Roskomnadzor, with publishers reaching more than 100,000 subscribers.
The new law, which has yet to fully take effect, requires major streaming companies to broadcast 20 Russian radio channels, including state-funded Channel One, Variety reported.
Channel One was one of several channels cited by The Associated Press last week. Other channels named by Variety include NTV and the Spa channel associated with the Russian Orthodox Church.
However, a Netflix spokesperson told The Verge that it does not plan to air those channels. “Given the current situation, we have no plans to add these channels to our service,” the spokesman said, speaking on the condition of anonymity for security reasons.
Politico Europe reported last week that Netflix could be forced to stream those channels when the law goes into effect. Netflix currently does not support live streaming in any of its markets.
Reports have been conflicting about when and how the law will be enforced. While Variety reports that the law has not yet been fully implemented, Politico Europe reports that the new rules will apply to Netflix from March 1.
The Wall Street Journal on Monday quoted a source familiar with the matter as saying that Netflix had been told in December that it would be required to comply with the new mandate. It’s unclear how Netflix plans to handle any such tasks if or when Russian regulators enforce the rules.