Spotify is suspending its services in Russia as the country’s invasion of Ukraine enters its second month. In a statement, the company appears to point to new Russian law that punishes spreading fake news about the military with up to 15 years in prison as the main reason it is being shut down in the country.
“Spotify has continued to believe it is critical to try to keep our service operational in Russia to provide trusted, independent news and information in the region,” said a Spotify spokesperson, who requested not to be named due to “ the situation in Russia.” “Unfortunately, recently passed legislation that further restricts access to information, abolishes freedom of expression and criminalizes certain types of news, jeopardizes the safety of Spotify employees and possibly even our listeners. After carefully considering our options and the current circumstances, we have come to the difficult decision to completely suspend our service in Russia.” The company expects the service to be completely suspended by early April, the spokesperson said.
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