- 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.
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
What happened
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.
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
Also read: Tech giants accused of using unauthorised YouTube transcripts to train AI models
Why it’s important
The reduction in YouTube speeds in Russia carries significant implications on multiple fronts. Firstly, it underscores the ongoing digital and geopolitical tensions between Russia and Western tech giants like Google. 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.
YouTube’s actions, including blocking channels associated with Russian state-funded media, have been part of its policy to curb content that denies, minimises, or trivialises well-documented violent events. This policy led to the removal of material related to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which YouTube deemed a violation of its violent events policy. In retaliation, Russia has repeatedly fined Google and other social media platforms for failing to comply with its regulations, further straining the relationship.
The decline in YouTube speeds will likely impact millions of Russian users who rely on the platform for information, entertainment, and education. This technical setback may drive more users to employ virtual private networks (VPNs) to bypass restrictions, as has been the case with other social media platforms that Russia has previously blocked or slowed down.
Moreover, this situation illuminates the broader strategy of digital sovereignty that Russia has been pursuing. By exerting pressure on foreign tech companies and promoting domestic alternatives, Russia aims to control the digital narrative within its borders. The reduction in YouTube speeds can be seen as a tactical maneuver to push back against what it perceives as the “anti-Russian policy” of Western tech firms.
The slowing down of YouTube in Russia is a microcosm of the larger struggle for control and influence in the digital age. It highlights the intricate interplay between technology, politics, and international relations, emphasising the need for global tech companies to navigate these complexities carefully. The outcome of this standoff could set a precedent for how similar conflicts are managed in the future, impacting the global digital landscape.
