Spotify shelves plans to launch in RussiaFebruary 3, 2015 - 19:26 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Spotify has shelved its plans to launch in Russia, reportedly due to concerns over the economic and political climate in the country, The Guardian says. The music streaming service recruited former Google executive Alexander Kubaneishvili to lead its push into Russia, but news service RBC reported that he had written to its partners announcing that the launch had been cancelled. Kubaneishvili wrote: “I regret to inform you that Spotify refused to launch in Russia in the foreseeable future. There are several reasons – the economic crisis, the political situation, the new laws governing the internet.” His statement that the move was for the “foreseeable future” suggests the Swedish company may revisit its decision should economic and political conditions change. Kubaneishvili also told Russia’s Tass news agency that he would officially leave Spotify next week. Spotify has not yet commented on the move. It reportedly faced problems reaching deals with mobile operators, as well as the high level of music piracy within Russia. The music streaming service has launched in 58 countries around the world, including Poland, Latvia, Bulgaria and others in eastern Europe. Other tech companies have also expressed concerns about conditions in Russia: last year, Google closed its engineering office in Russia due to a law that requires internet companies to move data on Russians onto servers inside the country, or face being blocked. Related links: Top stories Yerevan will host the 2024 edition of the World Congress On Information Technology (WCIT). Rustam Badasyan said due to the lack of such regulation, the state budget is deprived of VAT revenues. Krisp’s smart noise suppression tech silences ambient sounds and isolates your voice for calls. Gurgen Khachatryan claimed that the "illegalities have been taking place in 2020." Partner news Most popular in the section | U.S. welcomes Armenia, Azerbaijan’s border delimitation announcement Blinken said it is an important step towards concluding a durable and dignified peace agreement. Residents Of border villages protest as Armenia, Azerbaijan agree on delimitation Residents of several Armenian communities in the northeastern Tavush province began protests late on Friday. Up to 10% cashback from GetTransfer with IDBank cards IDBank clients who make their booking on GetTransfer will receive an exclusive cashback. European Parliament to discuss repression in Azerbaijan The European Parliament will discuss repression of civil society in Azerbaijan on April 24 |