Russian web-users face non-stop problems with YouTube service as Vladimir Putin gets involved in checking whats going on with video platform speeds. The service (used by more than 50-mil Russians daily) shows major slowdowns since mid-2024
Tech problems came up after Karen Shakhnazarov – long-time boss of state-owned Mosfilm met with countrys leader. “Iʼll look into it“ was the response to film directors worries about platform speed issues; however Putin noted there are “all sorts of nastiness“ in YouTube content
The govt says its Googles fault for not fixing equipment but company disagrees. Russias web watchdog Roskomnadzor doesnt see any service problems – yet many users report different experience. The Kremlins speaker Dmitry Peskov points to companys issues with local laws: tech questions should go straight to regulators
Moscow wants Google to follow strict rules about content:
- Remove posts about Ukraine that dont match official position
- Take down what govt calls fake news
- Stop blocking state media channels
- Update technical equipment
Independent news makers and opposition voices use YouTube as main platform to reach Russian viewers. While officials say platform speed isnt top priority many users cant watch videos without long loading times
Slowing down YouTube in my view is not very advisable today