Spotify to suspend its services in Russia over new free speech reforms

Spotify is reportedly planning to withdraw its streaming service in Russia after the country recently levied new restrictions on freedom of speech. The Swedish music streaming giant had previously dissolved premium subscriptions in the nation amidst the Ukraine crisis, though the free version stayed available.

In March, the Russian government implemented a new law under which any dissemination of inaccurate information about Russian operations with Ukraine would arise in a prison sentence of up to 15 years. It also stated that any speech that disparages the Russian military, as well as the use of the word "war" in referencing its ongoing conflict with Ukraine, would be penalized.

In response to this tragedy of free speech, many Western news organizations, including the BBC, ABC, and CNN, dropped their broadcasts within the country.

Spotify, on the other hand, has been promoting the freedom of expression by intensifying its investment in podcasts about current events and incorporating politics, which has already sparked a slew of controversy for the music streaming platform.

According to a Spotify spokesperson, while the company believes in keeping its services operational in Russia to provide trustworthy and independent news to the region, recent legislation restricting access to information, eliminating the freedom of expression, and specifically criminalizing the offering of such news has put its staff and presumably even its listeners in danger.

Following careful consideration of the situation, the streaming behemoth has decided to cancel its services in Russia, which will be completed by April once the company has finished the process of wrapping up logistics.

Meanwhile, Moscow maintains its dominance on the communication of material by claiming that its actions are more of a liberation attempt than a war that is taking people's lives. Notably, this as well as the corresponding legal crackdown, has invited trouble for anyone in the country seeking to share an opposing viewpoint on the present predicament.

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https://techcrunch.com/2022/03/25/spotify-will-suspend-its-services-in-russia-in-light-of-free-speech-crackdown/