Spotify is shuttering extra of its Russian operations in response to that nation’s invasion of Ukraine. In an announcement to Variety, the corporate mentioned it will “absolutely droop” service in Russia for an indefinite interval. While the music streamer initially believed it was essential to maintain some service operating to offer “trusted, unbiased” info, it was involved that latest legal guidelines limiting free speech and correct information reporting would put the protection of employees and listeners “in danger.”
The firm already halted entry to its paid Premium service earlier in March, and eliminated content material from state-backed Russian media shops RT and Sputnik. This newest transfer will lower off free service.
The additional withdrawal seemingly will not harm Spotify’s funds to a major diploma, however it would possibly restrict the corporate’s affect in Russia. While the nation solely represents 1 p.c of Spotify’s whole income, Deloitte estimated the service was the second-largest streaming music service with 36 p.c share in 2021. That’s no small feat when Spotify solely reached Russia in July 2020, and Sensor Tower famous that there had already been practically 15 million installs throughout Apple’s App Store and Google Play.
Rivals have already taken motion to various levels. Apple halted all product gross sales in Russia in early March, whereas Deezer stopped service across the identical time. Spotify was an outlier in that regard, and was going through mounting strain to chop off all entry and present its assist for Ukraine.