By – Prakarsh Kastwar
India initiates an investigation into Netflix for visa irregularities, tax evasion, and charges of racial discrimination.
The Indian government is looking into the business practices of US streaming behemoth Netflix, including charges of visa irregularities, tax evasion, and racial discrimination. Deepak Yadav, an officer from the Home Ministry’s Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in New Delhi, announced the inquiry in an email to Nandini Mehta, Netflix’s former head of business and legal affairs in India, on July 20.
The email, reviewed by Reuters, expresses worries about Netflix’s visa compliance and tax methods, as well as allegations of racial discrimination in its Indian business. Mehta, who left Netflix in 2020, is currently suing the corporation in the United States for wrongful termination and discrimination.
In a statement, Mehta expressed support for the probe and hoped that authorities will share their findings. However, she did not disclose any additional information on the specific claims. The FRRO and Home Ministry have declined to comment on the probe.
A Netflix spokeswoman confirmed that the business was unaware of any ongoing investigations in India.
With over 10 million members in India, Netflix sees the country as a significant growth opportunity. The corporation has faced a number of hurdles in India, including criticism over some of its content. Netflix was recently obliged to add warnings to an Indian hijacking series after a dispute emerged about how hijackers were portrayed.
The probe also seeks papers pertaining to visa compliance and commercial activities under Mehta’s leadership. In addition to this investigation, Netflix has been dealing with tax claims in India since 2023, which it is now appealing.
The communication indicates a broader probe against Netflix, but the agencies involved were not identified. The FRRO, which works closely with the Intelligence Bureau, is in charge of monitoring visa compliance and foreign business practices.
Mehta filed a complaint in the United States in 2021, alleging racial and gender discrimination, as well as wrongful termination. In response, Netflix refuted every accusation and said that Mehta was fired for misusing a company credit card. A status hearing for her case is set for Los Angeles.