India Probes Netflix Over Visa Violations and Racial Discrimination

India is investigating Netflix's local operations for alleged visa violations and racial discrimination. The probe, based on a government email to former executive Nandini Mehta, covers various business practices. Mehta, who is suing Netflix in the U.S. for wrongful termination and discrimination, supports the investigation.

India has launched an investigation into Netflix's local operations, examining allegations of visa violations and racial discrimination. The inquiry was revealed in a July 20 email from a home ministry official to Netflix's former director of business and legal affairs for India, Nandini Mehta.

According to the email, Indian authorities are scrutinizing the U.S. streaming giant for visa violations, illegal structures, tax evasion, and incidents of racial discrimination. Mehta, who left Netflix in 2020, has welcomed the investigation and is currently pursuing a lawsuit against the company in the U.S. over alleged wrongful termination and discrimination.

A Netflix spokesperson claimed the company was unaware of the investigation. The heightened scrutiny comes as Netflix continues to expand its user base in India, despite facing criticism over its content. Recently, Netflix added disclaimers to an Indian series following social media backlash.