The Chinese video-sharing app TikTok announced on Sunday that it will suspend live streaming and new video uploads on its platform in Russia while reviewing the implications of a new media law signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday. The social media company stated in a series of posts on Twitter: "We have no choice but to suspend live streaming and new content on our video service while we assess the security implications of this law." It added that messaging within the app will not be affected by the decision.
The U.S. government condemned the new law on Saturday, which threatens up to 15 years in prison for those who publish what the Kremlin describes as "fake news."
**Netflix Suspends Service in Russia**
Simultaneously, several U.S. media outlets reported on Sunday that the online video platform Netflix has suspended its service in Russia in protest against its invasion of Ukraine. The streaming giant had previously halted its operations to acquire rights and its own productions in Russia earlier this week. A spokesperson for the platform told Variety magazine: "Given the circumstances on the ground, we have decided to suspend our service in Russia." Despite having 221.8 million subscribers at the end of 2021, Netflix is a minor player in Russia, with fewer than one million subscribers, according to the Wall Street Journal. The platform does not publish detailed figures regarding its activity in the Russian market. With its decision on Sunday, Netflix joins many foreign companies that have announced the suspension of their activities or complete withdrawal from Russia since the onset of the invasion of Ukraine. The company had revealed on Monday to the Verge that it does not intend to comply with the Russian law requiring streaming platforms to include a number of free channels, some of which are state propaganda outlets.
**Kyiv Calls on Amazon to Boycott Russia**
In a related context, Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov urged Amazon on Sunday to cease its current operations in Russia amidst Moscow's ongoing military actions in his country. Fedorov posted a photo on his Twitter account of a letter he sent to Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, stating that the company has the influence to make decisions that align with its stated values. He added that stopping Amazon's operations in Russia would support the efforts of various governments and companies against Russia.
