Kremlin closes access to YouTube for Russians
Illustrative photo (photo: Getty Images)
Russian authorities are restricting access to YouTube Alphabet Inc. In this way, the Kremlin is attempting to block one of the last American social networks still available in Russia, reports Bloomberg.
This week, the loading speed of YouTube on computers is expected to decrease by approximately 40%. By the end of next week, it could drop by 70%, according to Alexander Khinshtein, head of the technology committee of the lower house of the State Duma.
He stated that this is allegedly due to YouTube's policy of systematically removing the channels of our public figures whose views do not align with the Western perspective.
The deputy also noted that these restrictions will not currently affect access to YouTube on mobile devices.
What happens with Google in Russia
In 2022, the Russian subsidiary of Google, which is the parent company of YouTube, declared bankruptcy after Russian authorities froze its bank accounts due to a series of local fines, including for failing to remove content deemed inconvenient for the Kremlin. Despite this, the company continued to offer free services in Russia, including Google Search, YouTube, and Gmail.
YouTube has blocked some channels that are pro-Kremlin or state-controlled.
Approximately half of Russians use YouTube monthly, according to Bloomberg, citing the monitoring service Mediascope.
Additionally, Russia is expanding its official definition of extremism as part of ongoing efforts by the Kremlin to criminally prosecute and suppress internal opposition. Opposition to current actions and the structure of the Russian government will be classified as ethnic intolerance towards Russians who support the Kremlin’s policies and the war against Ukraine.
