TikTok restricts service in Russia, Netflix stops streaming

Video-sharing site TikTok and streaming giant Netflix have limited and cut their services respectively in Russia, the BBC reports.

TikTok said it had suspended live streaming and new content from its platform as it assesses tough new laws to crack down on "fake news" about Russia's armed forces.

Netflix said it was pulling out in protest at the "invasion" of Ukraine.

Visa, Mastercard and PwC also joined the list of western firms cutting ties.

TikTok, which has around 36 million users in Russia, said its move was about ensuring the safety of its staff and users.

Since Friday, anyone who writes news deemed false about the military could face up to 15 years in jail.

Among other things, the Kremlin objects to the conflict being called a war, instead calling it a "special military operation".

The BBC and other news outlets have already stopped reporting in Russia, saying they can no longer be independent.