MORE COMPANIES SUSPEND SERVICES IN RUSSIA

Netflix is no longer available in Russia. United States media reported over the weekend that the streaming giant has suspended its service in protest at Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.

Netflix told the website Vulture that it did not intend to comply with a Russian law that requires streaming platforms to offer several free channels, some of which are considered to be government propaganda outlets, from the beginning of March, reports News24.

Although Netflix is the world’s leading streaming platform with 221.8 million subscribers worldwide, it’s not a major player in Russia with fewer than one million subscribers.

Meanwhile, auditing firms KPMG and PwC have both announced that they won’t be doing business in Russia anymore.

Reuters reports that KPMG said its Belarus offices will leave its network while KPMG confirmed that its Moscow firm will leave its international network. Together the two companies said the decisions will affect more than 8 000 partners and staff members operating in the two countries.

American Express has also announced that it will be suspending business in Russia and Belarus. Visa and MasterCard have already suspended their services in these two countries.

Nike, Ikea and French luxury brand Hermes have all closed shop in Russia while the Russian Formula 1 Grand Prix has been cancelled. UEFA and FIFA have both suspended the national team and all Russian clubs from competing.

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