Spotify Officially Halts Services In Russia Due To Controversial ‘Fake News’ Law

Spotify has joined the ranks of the numerous brands and firms that have halted services in Russia in response to its unprovoked invasion of neighboring Ukraine. 

Though the music streaming service initially chose not to fully withdraw its service in the country, it says it was pushed to make the decision due to safety concerns about its staff and listeners. 

According to Digital Music News, the platform suspended its Premium subscription service earlier this month, resulting in a loss of over 1.5 million customers. However, users will still be able to access the service as part of the free tier.

Now, users will no longer be able to use the service at all.

“Spotify has continued to believe that it’s critically important to try to keep our service operational in Russia to provide trusted, independent news and information from the region,” the company says. 

“Unfortunately, recently enacted legislation further restricting access to information, eliminating free expression, and criminalizing certain types of news puts the safety of Spotify’s employees, and the possibility of even our listeners, at risk,” it adds. 

According to the BBC, Russia has put into place new regulations on what media companies are allowed to broadcast. Anything the nation deems as “fake news” about its “special operation” in Ukraine could potentially land reporters in prison. 

Due to this law, major news outlets including the New York Times, Bloomberg, and CNN have also announced they would be suspending reporting in the country. 

It remains to be seen when, and if, businesses such as Spotify will resume operations in Russia.

[via BBC and Digital Music News, cover image via David Molina | Dreamstime.com]