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Spotify said on Friday it is pulling out of Russia entirely because recent laws restricting news operations could endanger the streamer’s employees and listeners. Operations are expected to be fully suspended by the end of April.
Spotify’s decision to pull out of Russia underscores the balance Western media companies must strike as they seek to bring news to Russian citizens while confronting significant challenges related to the country’s invasion of Ukraine and the country’s business environment .
Spotify is best known as a music streamer, but it also hosts and distributes a number of political podcasts.
Spotify previously stopped offering premium subscriptions in Russia, but its free service was still available. It announced earlier this month that it would close an office in the country and remove content from Russia’s state media.
“Spotify remains committed to the critical importance of keeping our service operational in Russia to provide trusted, independent news and information in the region of news jeopardizes the safety of Spotify employees and potentially even our listeners,” said a Spotify spokesman in a statement.
Other tech companies, including Apple and Google, have pulled out and no longer offer products and services in Russia. Several banks and retail brands including McDonald’s and Starbucks have also suspended operations in the country after it invaded Ukraine last month. Companies that continue to operate in the country face challenges such as restricted payment services, logistical challenges and a weak ruble.
However, Spotify’s decision is based more on the country’s recent crackdown on news and other media that could cast a negative light on the Russian war.
Several English-language news organizations have been investigating how to protect reporters and other workers in Russia in response to the country’s “fake news” law, which effectively bans independent reporting.
The BBC suspended Russian operations earlier this month before announcing it would resume coverage. CNN and the New York Times have also reduced their staff and operations in the country, and some newspapers are removing reporters’ names in Russia.