India is investigating U.S. streaming giant Netflix over its local operations, including potential visa violations and allegations of racial discrimination, according to a government email sent to a former Netflix executive.
The details of the investigation were revealed in a July 20 email reviewed by Reuters, written by Deepak Yadav, an official from the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) under the home ministry. The email was addressed to Nandini Mehta, Netflix’s former director of business and legal affairs in India, who left the company in 2020.
“This is regarding visa and tax violation concerns with respect to Netflix’s business practices in India,” Yadav wrote, also mentioning allegations of illegal structures, tax evasion, and racial discrimination.
Mehta, who is pursuing a lawsuit against Netflix in the U.S. for alleged wrongful termination, racial, and gender discrimination—claims Netflix denies—welcomed the Indian government’s investigation. However, she did not elaborate on the specifics of the allegations made by the government.
Yadav declined to comment on the matter, while the FRRO and India’s home ministry did not respond to Reuters’ inquiries. A Netflix spokesperson stated that the company was “unaware of an investigation by the Indian government.”
Netflix, which has around 10 million users in India, considers the country a key growth market. Despite its success in developing local content, the streaming service has often faced criticism in India over its content, including a recent controversy surrounding a series about a plane hijack that led to government backlash.
In addition to the tax demand Netflix has been challenging since 2023, this broader investigation into visa compliance and racial discrimination had not previously been reported. The Indian government email did not specify which agencies are involved, but the FRRO typically works closely with the home ministry’s Intelligence Bureau on such matters.
Mehta, who worked at Netflix’s Los Angeles and Mumbai offices from 2018 to 2020, has a case pending in Los Angeles County Superior Court, where Netflix has denied all allegations, claiming she was fired for misusing her corporate credit card for personal expenses. Mehta, however, vowed to continue her fight for justice.
Her case is scheduled for a status hearing in Los Angeles next Monday.
