Netflix Is Being Sued By Russian Subscribers

In recent weeks, major brands have joined world leaders in placing various sanctions on Russia in response to the country's ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Netflix was quick to send their own message to Russia, temporarily halting the availability of its service within the country whilst pulling all Russian-based original productions.

It’s not the first time Netflix has faced problems when it comes to the delivery of their service in Russia. They had previously refused to air 20 free-to-air Russian TV channels, despite a law being enacted to demand they do so. In response, Netflix cited that they held concerns over their role in distributing channels which are known to air official government propaganda. One such channel, Channel One, is partly owned by Entertainment Online Service who run Netflix’s Russian output.

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The streaming giant is now facing a class action lawsuit from Chernyshov, Lukoyanov & Partners on behalf of Russian subscribers in response to the service being pulled. As reported by Deadline, the case has been filed in the Khamovnichesky district court of Moscow.

In a statement, the law firm said, “The reason for the lawsuit was a violation of Russian users’ rights due to Netflix’s unilateral refusal to provide services in Russia.” Having only established itself in Russia in 2016, Netflix has less than one million subscribers within the territory. Deadline reported that the suit is seeking 60 million roubles (£554,000) in damages.

Netflix had previously commented, “Given the circumstances on the ground, we have decided to suspend our service in Russia.” Recent projects pulled by Netflix include Anna K - a contemporary retelling of Anna Karenina - and the neo-noir detective drama Zato. In response to the invasion of Ukraine, Netflix has placed 2015’s Winter on Fire: Ukraine’s Fight For Freedom on YouTube to watch for free. They have yet to comment on the lawsuit.