2024-11-14 21:06:00
The government had slowed down the social network to ban Russian channels accused of “propaganda”. The service was restored on Thursday after a director complained to Vladimir Putin.
The operation of the YouTube video platform was restored in Russia on Thursday after several months of slowdown, after President Vladimir Putin promised a director to resolve the problem, Russian media reported. Russian users began reporting problems with the operation of YouTube, owned by American giant Google, this summer after Russian authorities threatened to slow down the service.
The government, which has already blocked or slowed down several American social networks in the country, criticizes Google in particular for having banned Russian channels from YouTube accused of “propaganda”. Director Karen Chakhnazarov, director of the Mosfilm film company, said Thursday that he had complained about the situation to Vladimir Putin during a meeting the day before. “Slowing down YouTube, in my opinion, does not make sense today”declared Mr. Chakhnazarov on Russian television, confirming having discussed it with Vladimir Putin. “He listened to me and said: ‘I’ll take care of it, I’ll look’”he added.
Many Western sites banned
In the evening, Russian media reported that YouTube was working normally again. According to the Internet censorship monitoring service GlobalCheck, the site is fully accessible from all the largest Russian internet providers. Russian power has greatly increased its control over the internet since the start of the conflict in Ukraine in 2022, banning a number of Western sites and social networks in which its detractors could express themselves freely, such as Facebook, Instagram and X At the beginning of October, the authorities also banned the discussion platform Discord. However, these resources remain accessible from Russia using a VPN, a means of circumvention which is also in the sights of the authorities.
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What are the implications of the recent changes in YouTube’s accessibility for content creators in Russia?
**Interview with Alexei Ivanov, Media Analyst**
**Interviewer**: Thank you for joining us today, Alexei. Can you explain the recent developments regarding YouTube’s accessibility in Russia?
**Alexei Ivanov**: Absolutely. Recently, Russian authorities had been slowing down YouTube due to the platform’s hosting of channels they accused of spreading “propaganda.” This led to significant disruptions for users trying to access the service. However, just this past Thursday, the situation changed dramatically following a complaint by a YouTube director that reached President Vladimir Putin.
**Interviewer**: It’s interesting that a complaint could lead to such a rapid response. Can you elaborate on how the government typically regulates social media platforms in Russia?
**Alexei Ivanov**: Sure. The Russian government has been increasingly stringent in its control over social media platforms, often citing national security and the need to combat misinformation as justifications. This includes slowing down access to platforms, blocking certain channels, or even imposing fines on companies that don’t comply with their regulations. However, it appears that direct communication at high governmental levels can still influence policy and operational decisions significantly.
**Interviewer**: So, do you think this restoration signals a change in the relationship between Russian authorities and platforms like YouTube?
**Alexei Ivanov**: It’s hard to say definitively. On one hand, this restoration could be seen as a recognition of the importance of platforms like YouTube for the public. But on the other hand, it may simply be a temporary relief. The government’s narrative on controlling information is unlikely to change, and we could see further regulations in the future.
**Interviewer**: That makes sense. what does this mean for content creators operating in Russia?
**Alexei Ivanov**: Content creators can breathe a sigh of relief for now, as they regain access to their audiences. However, they must remain aware of the evolving landscape. With the government’s watchful eye, they might still face restrictions or censorship if their content is deemed undesirable. The climate for digital creators in Russia remains uncertain and precarious.
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Alexei, for your insights on this evolving situation with YouTube in Russia.
**Alexei Ivanov**: Thank you for having me!