Read more about why Russia decided to slow down YouTube in the RIA Novosti article.
The head of the State Duma Committee on Information Policy, Alexander Khinshtein, stated that by the end of the week of July 22–28, the download speed of YouTube on desktop computers in Russia will decrease to 40%, and by the end of next week — to 70%. He emphasized that the degradation of YouTube is a “necessary measure.” Read more about why Russia decided to slow down the popular American video hosting service in the RIA Novosti article.
When Russia announced YouTube was slowing down
On July 25, the head of the State Duma Committee on chile mobile database Information Policy, Alexander Khinshtein, announced that YouTube download speed on desktop computers in Russia would decrease to 40% by the end of the week from July 22–28. At the same time, according to Khinshtein, by the end of the week from July 29–August 4, it will decrease to 70%.
"This measure will only affect the desktop versions. It will not affect mobile communications for now," the deputy specified.
He stressed that the degradation of YouTube is a "forced measure." It is not directed against users, but against the administration of a foreign resource that "ignores Russian legislation."
It is no coincidence that summer was chosen to “bring YouTube to its senses”, when most people are on vacation and access the Internet on smartphones.
“The degradation of YouTube will not affect them in any way, but the resource itself will see with its own eyes that the state has moved from persuasion to concrete steps,” the deputy added.
According to him, what is happening is the result of the hosting service’s anti-Russian policy, and the future of YouTube depends only on him.
How YouTube Slowdown Is Assessed in Russia
The head of the Chechen Republic, Ramzan Kadyrov, said that YouTube in Russia should not just be slowed down, but “shut down to hell.” According to Kadyrov, YouTube should be banned because the service blocks Russian information channels that protect the interests of the country, while supporting Western sources that mislead people.
“We must not slow down, we must close it down today, to hell and gone,” Kadyrov said.
In addition, the head of Chechnya recalled the experience of China and other countries in this matter. Kadyrov also believes that domestic social networks are not developing because opinion leaders, including various artists and athletes, prefer Western analogues.
At the same time, TV presenter and journalist Ksenia Sobchak stated that blocking the YouTube video hosting service in Russia would be a “serious blow” to her, as well as a “big mistake” for the Russian government.
"This is my most important business, which I live by. This is the business of my team and a huge number of bloggers and journalists," Sobchak noted.
She also said that this is a blow to ordinary Russians who have long ago “replaced television with video hosting.” The journalist added that blocking YouTube would be a big mistake for the Russian authorities.