Major companies, brands, music contest ban Russia, entertainment companies halt movie releases
As a response towards the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war, major tech companies such as Google, Youtube and Meta are banning Russia. As reported by Reuters, Google on 26 February decided to ban downloads of Russian state-owned media outlet RT's mobile app on Ukrainian territory at the request of the government in Kyiv.
A few days later, Google and its video streaming subsidiary YouTube cut off ad revenue to Russian state media, preventing them from earning money. YouTube will also be "significantly limiting" recommendations to Russian state media channels.
“In response to the war in Ukraine, we are pausing Google monetisation of Russian state-funded media across our platforms," Google said in a statement to CNN Business on 27 February. “We're actively monitoring new developments and will take further steps if necessary,” Google added.
In a similar vein, Facebook’s parent company Meta announced that it is currently banning Russian state media from running ads or monetising on its platforms (Instagram and Facebook included) anywhere in the world. TikTok follows suit, as it confirmed that it will ban RT and Sputnik, while Twitter said it would add warnings to tweets that share links to Russian state-affiliated media.
Citing Forbes, Apple said it has been pausing sales in Russia since 1 March, while Ford suspended its joint venture in the country. In addition, Adidas suspended its partnership with the Russian football union.
From the entertainment side, Eurovision has banned Russia from competing at the 2022 Song Contest. No Russian acts are allowed to participate this year. The European Broadcasting Union which produces the event said Russia's inclusion could bring the competition into disrepute “in light of the unprecedented crisis in Ukraine”.
Major entertainment companies such as Disney, Warner Bros and Sony are also taking action. Warner Bros’ blockbuster “The Batman”, Disney animated film “Turning Red” and Sony Marvel adaption “Morbius” will not go ahead as scheduled in the country.
“Given the unprovoked invasion of Ukraine and the tragic humanitarian crisis, we are pausing the theatrical release of films in Russia,” Disney said in a statement. It added that it collaborates with non-governmental organisations in providing “urgent aid and other humanitarian assistance to refugees”.
From the art sector, according to The Art Newspaper, Ukraine urges sanctions against Russia, requesting to limit Russia’s presence within the international cultural arena by banning Russian artists in international exhibitions and fairs, such as Venice Biennale, Documenta and Art Basel, and in international film festivals. It also called for Russian candidates to be excluded from international competitions.