Netflix Escapes Russia, Subscribers File Class Action Lawsuits

Netflix is being sued by its customers in Russia. (photo; twitter @netflix)

JAKARTA – Netflix subscribers in Russia have launched a class action lawsuit against the streaming giant for leaving the Russian market. They demanded 60 million rubles (IDR 10.4 billion) in compensation. The claim was made by the RIA news agency on Wednesday, April 13.

Netflix Inc said in March that it was suspending its services in Russia and temporarily halting all future projects and acquisitions in the country. This was done because they saw the impact of Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

"Today, a law firm representing the interests of Netflix users filed a class action lawsuit against the American Netflix service with the Khamovnichesky District Court of Moscow," RIA quoted law firm Chernyshov, Lukoyanov & Partners as saying.

"The reason for the lawsuit is the violation of the rights of Russian users due to Netflix's unilateral refusal to provide services in Russia," RIA added.

Netflix did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Reuters on the matter.

Now a number of foreign companies have announced the temporary closure of their shops and factories in Russia or said they would be gone for good since Moscow began what it called a "special military operation" in Ukraine on February 24. Ukraine and the West say Russia is waging an unwarranted war of aggression against its neighbour.