Music streaming giant Spotify is finally suspending its services in Russia on the back of the country’s invasion of Ukraine. In a statement, Spotify referred to new Russian law that punishes the spread of fake news about the military with up to 15 years in prison as the primary reason for the suspension of services. “Spotify continues to believe that it is important to try to keep our service running in Russia to provide reliable, independent news and information,” a Spotify spokesperson said in a report to The Verge.
“Unfortunately, recently enacted legislation further restricts access to information, eliminates free expression, and criminalizes certain types of news, can harm Spotify employees and possibly even our listeners.” jeopardizes our security. After careful consideration of our options and the current circumstances, we have reached the difficult decision to completely suspend our service in Russia.” Spotify has said it expects services to be suspended altogether by early April.
Read also: Google may launch new Nest Hub speaker with a detachable tablet
Spotify has removed content from Russia-backed outlets such as RT and Sputnik and closed its Russia offices earlier this month. The company also said that its paid subscription will no longer be available in Russia as before.
Other tech companies have also limited their operations in Russia over the country’s invasion of Ukraine. Russia has also taken action by banning Facebook and Instagram in the country. Some companies that have ceased operations include: Netflix, TIC Toc, Microsoft, Google, samsung, Appleeven more.
read all breaking news , today’s fresh news And Ukraine-Russia War Live Updates Here.