Russian subscribers file lawsuit against Netflix for suspending service
Joy Onuorah
The Russian subscribers of Netflix have filed a class action lawsuit against the streaming platform for loss of service.
In March, the streaming giant had suspended its service and all future projects and acquisitions in Russia, citing “circumstances on the ground” as the reason.
Netflix’s suspension of service came amid the global condemnation that trailed the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
As of Wednesday, April 13, more than a hundred people were said to have applied to join the legal action against the American streaming service.
According to Variety, a Moscow-based law firm is representing the disgruntled users.
The subscribers are arguing that Netflix “entered into a public contract with subscribers that does not provide for the possibility of unilateral refusal to fulfil obligations”.
They, therefore, claimed that Netflix’s suspension of service violates users’ rights and constitutes a violation of Russia’s civil code as well as consumer rights laws.
The aggrieved users are seeking $730,000 as compensation for non-economic damages and a fine equal to 50% of the amount awarded by the court.
