The head of the State Duma Committee on Labor and Social Policy, Yaroslav Nilov (LDPR), is planning to contact Roskomnadzor to seek clarification on the recent slowdown of YouTube’s operations in Russia and to determine the platform’s future in the country. RIA Novosti obtained a document containing Nilov’s request.
Nilov highlighted that in the past few weeks, users have observed a significant decrease in YouTube’s speed, causing concern among the platform’s many users in Russia. With no official explanation provided regarding YouTube’s status in Russia and ongoing speculation in society, uncertainty is growing. Nilov urged Roskomnadzor’s head, Andrei Lipov, to disclose details about the current sluggishness in service and the prospective course for YouTube in the Russian online sphere.
The deputy pointed out YouTube’s extensive use by millions of Russians for various non-political purposes over the years, such as education, DIY advice, audiobooks, and movies. Additionally, many individuals rely on the platform for income generation, and any impediment to its performance adversely affects their livelihoods.
Emphasizing the information void and the absence of a definitive stance from government entities regarding YouTube’s deceleration, Nilov noted an increase in users resorting to VPNs to circumvent restrictions. Given Roskomnadzor’s claims of Google LLC’s infractions, Russia’s vast YouTube audience deserves clear explanations on the platform’s future. Users are seeking clarity on when and how the situation will improve, and standard service resumes, Nilov remarked.
Previously, over 135 regional telecom companies approached the Ministry of Construction and Roskomnadzor seeking insights into the YouTube slowdown. With no official announcements from Roskomnadzor on the video hosting’s decrease in pace, operators have initiated measures to ensure continued access for their clientele. Roskomnadzor called on operators in late August to cease distorting internet traffic to avoid hampering counteraction against threats.