Russia Plans to Slow YouTube Speeds by Up to 70%

Russia is set to intentionally slow down YouTube loading speeds on desktop computers, with reductions reaching up to 70% in the coming weeks.

This action, described as a response to YouTube's "anti-Russia policy," was announced by Alexander Khinshtein, chairman of Russia’s parliamentary committee on technology, via Telegram.

Khinshtein revealed that YouTube download speeds on desktops may decrease by 40% by the end of this week, and up to 70% by the end of next week. This measure will not affect mobile app users for now.

The throttling is seen as a reaction to YouTube's deletion of channels featuring Russian public figures who express views differing from Western perspectives. Khinshtein has encouraged Russians to switch to local alternatives like Rutube and VK Video.

Since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russia has blocked several social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, for allowing content critical of its actions. Despite facing numerous fines, YouTube has remained accessible in Russia. In mid-2022, Google faced a $370 million fine for allegedly spreading false information about the Ukraine invasion, which led to Google's bankruptcy filing in Russia after their bank accounts were seized.

Elon Musk's recent acquisition of X saw the removal of Russian government accounts from restrictions, leading Khinshtein to suggest that Russia might lift its ban on X if it complies with Russian laws against prohibited content, as reported by Russia's TASS news agency.