Official announcements from Russian authorities or independent reports

Russia to Slow YouTube Speeds by 40% This Week, 70% Next Week

Jul 25, 2024, 07:09 PM

Russia is set to significantly slow down YouTube loading speeds on desktop computers in retaliation for Google's refusal to comply with Russian censorship demands. State Duma deputy Alexander Khinshtein confirmed that the Russian authorities are throttling local YouTube access as punishment for Google's noncompliance with Russian laws and the removal of pro-Kremlin content. By the end of this week, YouTube speeds may drop by 40%, and by the end of next week, they could decrease by up to 70%. This move is part of a broader effort by the Kremlin to block one of the last US social media sites still available in the country.