Russia’s Ministry of Culture has banned online video services from showing films without rolling certificates.
Kommersant reports that until now such a requirement only existed for cinemas and DVDs.
Leading OTT providers fear the move will have a negative impact on the sector and only benefit pirates.
Receiving such certificates requires both time and money – in the latter case R3,500 (€56.77) per title – making it difficult to replenish catalogues and adding millions of rubles to providers’ costs.
However, the Ministry of Culture has sought to play down these concerns.
Furthermore, there is a possibility that no charge may be imposed on rolling certificates and obtaining them made a formality.
