In response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, several internet titans have taken action. Spotify, the music streaming service, is the most recent corporation to respond to the country’s restrictions.
Spotify has announced the indefinite closure of its Russian headquarters.
Spotify Closes its Office in Russia
The music streaming company is not blocking access to its service in Russia because it believes it is critical to maintain its service operational in the country. According to a Spotify representative in an interview with Variety, this will enable for the global flow of information.
Spotify, like other internet companies, has limited the discoverability of Russian state-affiliated content on its site. In addition, all content from Kremlin-backed publications RT and Sputnik has been deleted off the platform.
The Spotify official went on to say that they are horrified and dismayed by the unjustified attack on Ukraine, and that their top focus for the past week has been the safety of its staff.
In addition, the organization aims to ensure that it remains a significant source of global and regional news at a time when access to information is critical.
The music streaming company stated that it is giving personalized support to its employees in the region as well as its global community of Ukrainian employees.
Spotify stated that its employees had analyzed thousands of pieces of content since the Russian hostilities began. According to Reuters, the business also introduced a new guide on the site on March 2 to enable users around the world with access to localized reliable news sources.
For example, in the United States, the section includes links to daily news podcasts from The New York Times, BBC News, The Wall Street Journal, and The Guardian. Users can also listen to podcasts that describe the Russia-Ukraine war and Ukraine’s history.
Furthermore, the corporation is matching employee donations two to one to fund local humanitarian efforts in Ukraine in the aftermath of the Russian onslaught.
Spotify’s representative stated that they are looking into other steps they may take and will continue to do what is best for its staff and listeners.
In July 2020, the company will start in Russia and Ukraine, as well as ten other European nations.
YouTube and Meta Block Ukraine
According to CNN, before Spotify announced its plan to close its operation in Moscow, Russia, another streaming provider banned the monetization of all state-sponsored RT.
YouTube has declared that it will severely limit recommendations to Russian channels.
According to the firm, the channels are linked to current penalties.
In response to a request from the Ukrainian government, it has also banned access to RT and other channels in the nation.
This is not the first time that YouTube and Russia have had disagreements about information posted on the network. Russia threatened YouTube with a suspension in 2021 because to COVID falsehoods on the network.
Last week, Ukraine’s Digital Minister Mykhailo Fedorov tweeted that he had contacted YouTube to request that the platform prohibit the propaganda Russian channels Russia 24, TASS, and RIA Novosti.
To continue functioning in the country, the US Justice Department ordered RT’s American arm to register as a foreign agent in 2017. According to intelligence analysts, RT undertakes strategic messaging for the Russian government.
Apple ceased selling its goods in Russia this week, so shoppers there will be unable to purchase smartphones, tablets, or laptops for the time being.