Netflix is the only big VOD platform out of “The sacred three” (Netflix, HBO, Disney+) being available directly in Russia with estimated 500 thousand to 1 million subscribers (Amazon Prime is too small and HBO content is being offered through Russian streaming service Amediateka). New regulation dictates that every VOD with over 100 thousand subscribers must adhere to the new rules. The streaming platform is being added to the “audiovisual services” overseen by Russia’s communications regulator Roskomnadzor.
Netflix officially declined to include 20 channels carrying propaganda programming, violating new rules. Netflix spokesperson commented on this: “Given the current situation, we have no plans to add these channels to our service.” Netflix's decision comes as Hollywood movie studios are pulling theatrical releases from Russia and Russian movies are being denied at film festivals across the world. Netflix had big plans for Russia, having greenlit its first-ever Russian original series, Anna K., a modern-day version of Leo Tolstoy’s classic novel Anna Karenina, and planning several local-language series and films in the future.