TikTok and Netflix also join to suspend services in Russia after Putin declares to impose up to 15 years in prison for distributing “fake news” in Russia.
According to the Bloomberg on the 6th (local time), Russian users will no longer be able to upload new videos or broadcast live broadcasts, TikTok said. Users will not be able to see video content from all over the world. However, it is explained that the service that can send messages within the app will be operated without interruption for the time being.
TikTok said that there is no choice but to stop uploading new content or broadcasting live under the new ‘fake news law’ proposed in Russia they explained, “We will look at the risks of this bill during that period.” According to TikTok spokesman Hillary McQuade, TikTok apps in Russia are currently only available in “viewing mode.” It is possible to see the existing video, but it is impossible to see new content. The number of monthly active users (MAU) of TikTok in Russia reaches 36 million. According to Statista, a global market research firm, the 12-24-year-old population accounts for a large portion of all users, and TikTok’s suspension of services is expected to have a significant impact on millennial public opinion in Russia.
In particular, if false information related to the military is circulated, imprisonment for up to three years or fines are specified. However, if it is determined that it has caused a “significant impact,” the prison sentence will increase by up to 15 years. Accordingly, TikTok said, “The safety of employees is our top priority,” and stressed, “We need to prevent in advance the possibility that employees or users in Russia will be at risk of criminal punishment due to TikTok service.”
In addition, other news media are also in a position to suspend services in Russia and review the contents of the bill. Russian authorities have already pointed to reports of Russian retreats and civilian deaths in Ukraine as fake news. Accordingly, most of the content on the invasion of Ukraine is likely to be classified as fake news.
Netflix also announced that it will suspend services in Russia. Not only will new subscriptions become impossible as of this day, but they will also affect the use of services by existing users. Netflix did not mention details. Netflix has more than 1 million subscribers in Russia.
