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Avid, Adobe, and Netflix have suspended services to Russia in response to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked war and invasion of Ukraine. This is a step in the right direction for democracy and the fight against government-run propaganda.
Avid’s products are wildly used in the broadcast television and video industry to create shows, films, commercials, and news programs. Avid Technology has halted all sales and support to all customers, users, and resellers in Russia and Belarus.
Avid stops sales in Russia
This means that users in those two countries will, for the time being, not be able to purchase new licenses or receive support for Media Composer, Pro Tools, and all other software and hardware products from Avid.
In an open letter from Avid CEO & President Jeff Rosica, outlined his companies justification for their decision.
“Russia’s political leaders have crossed a line by attacking the sovereign nation of Ukraine, which has resulted in harm and disruption to her people, including our Avid colleagues.”
Jeff Rosica, CEO & President, Avid
He continues.
“At Avid, we strive to make the world a better place by connecting all people everywhere through the power of media… as much as we believe in the positive power of media, there are times when that power is not used for good. This is clearly one of those times.”
Jeff Rosica, CEO & President, Avid
It is great to see companies taking a stand, especially in the media industry. The world is outranged and horrified by what is taking place in Ukraine.
State-run news and media outlets in Russia, and Belarus are actively suppressing information about what is taking place. They are using technologies from Avid and other companies to launch a propaganda blitz, and lock out the truth from their people.
“We urge others in our tight-knit Media & Entertainment industry to also join the international pressure campaign against Russia’s political leaders to stop their aggression immediately.”
Jeff Rosica, CEO & President, Avid
Adobe has also stopped all new sales in Russia, terminating access to Adobe Creative Cloud, Adobe Document Cloud and Adobe Experience Cloud to Russian government-controlled media outlets. The Adobe Foundation has also made a series of grants of over $1 million USD to support the growing humanitarian and refugee situation in the region.
“We understand there is only so much one company can do to impact an unjustified invasion. But we also understand our civic and moral responsibility to support democracy and humanity.”
Shantanu Narayen, Adobe
Netflix shuts down its service in Russia
Netflix is now shutting down its service entirely in Russia. The company had previously announced the suspension projects and acquisitions in Russia to protest the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. However, with the situation on the ground getting worse, they have taken the additional step to shut down entirely in the country.
“Given the circumstances on the ground, we have decided to suspend our service in Russia”
A Netflix Spokesperson
Under Russian law, Netflix is also required to host 20 Russian free-to-air propaganda channels, which it recently refused to carry.
Whereas Avid, Adobe, & Netflix’s decision will certainly impact the livelihood of post-professionals and the production community in Russia at large, it is important to remember the power behind the media we create. The products offered by Avid & Adobe, and the reach of the messaging broadcast by Netflix make them ideal tools to spread lies and misdirect the Russian people.
Which filmmaking technology companies will follow next?
Many other companies have also ceased sales and support to Russia and Belarus following their invasion of the Ukraine, among them Apple, Microsoft and Samsung.
We hope to see more companies from our filmmaking industry follow these companies’ lead and move to do the right thing when it comes to promoting peace, freedom and protecting free speech.
Visit Avid and Adobe’s website to read their full press release.
Do you agree with Avid, Adobe, & Netflix’s decisions to cease operations in Russia and Belarus? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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