Netflix has apparently banned roughly one million users from its internet, mobile, and tablet apps with the flip of a button.
According to reports, Russian account holders were the ones who had their accounts suspended on the digital platform.
Following Vladimir Putin’s decision to launch a war on Ukraine, the major streaming platform shut off operations in Russia this week.
Netflix had already declared that it will be leaving Russia, with the news breaking in March, but services were only formally shut down this week.
Netflix was a hugely successful entertainment streaming service in Russia.
The majority of homes are stunned after learning of the company’s decision.
Russian clients, according to Express sources, are extremely dissatisfied, particularly those who have purchased year-long memberships.
According to reports, citizens have filed a lawsuit against the streaming giant, demanding 60 million Russian Rubles (roughly INR 7.5 crores) in compensation for the region’s abrupt shutdown.
Netflix is not one of the Western websites that Russian regulator Roskomnadzor has blacklisted.
As a result, Netflix viewers in Russia have been able to circumvent the restriction by using a VPN. We’ve examined the top VPNs for streaming available today for people having trouble accessing video-on-demand services.
Customers filed a complaint when the developers of Stranger Things stated they were shutting down services in Russia, requesting 60 million Russian Rubles (about £741,000) in compensation.
Netflix is one of several Western corporations that have withdrawn from Russia in reaction to Moscow’s conflict in Ukraine.
Throughout the crisis, which has lasted more than three months, Russia has been slammed with a slew of sanctions aimed at putting pressure on Putin and Moscow.
The United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union (EU) have imposed unprecedented economic sanctions on Russia, as well as boycotts and other forms of pressure.
Russian players have been barred from competing in the prestigious Wimbledon tennis event, and a large number of Western corporations have ceased operations in the region.
McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, Heineken, Starbucks, and, as previously indicated, Netflix are among the companies that have exited Russia.
It’s hoped that these sanctions, which the Kremlin admits it didn’t foresee, will increase internal pressure on Putin from Russians disgruntled at losing access to popular brands.
Netflix previously said in regards to their decision to leave Russia:
“Given the circumstances on the ground, we have decided to suspend our service in Russia.”
EU leaders gathered this week to agree on a potential oil restriction on Russian imports, in the latest move to exert pressure on Russia. Because Europe is Russia’s largest energy customer, such a move would be devastating to the country’s budget. The revelation comes as Russia’s war on Ukraine enters its 90th day, with fighting centred in the Donbas area at the time.