Governance
YouTube speeds slow in Russia amid neglect claims, blockade calls
OUR TAKEYouTube is clearly being targeted in Russia. Remember when Netflix faced similar issues with internet speeds? But at least they knew to invest in upgrading their servers. And YouTube in Russia seems to be lacking in that department. I heard that they even let their local subsidiary go bankru…
Headline
OUR TAKEYouTube is clearly being targeted in Russia. Remember when Netflix faced similar issues with internet speeds? But at least they knew to invest in upgrading their servers. And YouTube in Russia seems to be lacking in that department. I heard that they even let their local…
Context
OUR TAKE YouTube is clearly being targeted in Russia. Remember when Netflix faced similar issues with internet speeds? But at least they knew to invest in upgrading their servers. And YouTube in Russia seems to be lacking in that department. I heard that they even let their local subsidiary go bankrupt, making it impossible to pay for local data centre services. This is just a real-life example of “you make your own bed, you lie in it.” And to top it all off, there’s even a proposal to block YouTube outright from the Chechen leader Ramsan Kadyrov. The tension is definitely escalating and making things more interesting to watch. –Miurio huang, BTW reporter In a significant development affecting YouTube users in Russia, video streaming speeds on desktop computers are set to decline sharply. Alexander Khinshtein , a senior Russian lawmaker and head of the lower house of parliament’s information policy committee, attributed this downturn to Google’s failure to upgrade its equipment in Russia and its refusal to unblock Russian media channels. On July 25th, Khinshtein announced that YouTube download speeds in Russia had already decreased by 40% and were projected to plummet by up to 70% next week.
Evidence
Pending intelligence enrichment.
Analysis
Khinshtein clarified his comments on Telegram, placing the blame squarely on YouTube’s shoulders. He asserted that the slowdown was a “forced step” against YouTube for allegedly violating Russian law without repercussions. The Russian communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, echoed these sentiments, stating that Google’s neglect in updating its Google Global Cache servers in Russia was the primary reason for the deteriorating quality of YouTube services. Adding to the complications, Khinshtein pointed out that Google had not invested in Russian infrastructure and had allowed its local subsidiary to go bankrupt. This bankruptcy prevented Google from paying for local data centre services, further exacerbating the issue. Google has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding these accusations. The situation has escalated to the extent that Chechen leader Ramsan Kadyrov proposed blocking YouTube outright, highlighting the severity of the tensions. Also read: Russia throttles YouTube in latest attack on social media
Key Points
- In a significant development affecting YouTube users in Russia, video streaming speeds on desktop computers are set to decline sharply.
- This development is not merely a technical issue but a reflection of the broader conflict stemming from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the ensuing global response.
Actions
Pending intelligence enrichment.
