YouTube Restored in Russia Following Putin's Intervention
In a significant development, the YouTube video platform has been restored to full functionality in Russia after months of slowdowns, following direct intervention from President Vladimir Putin. This restoration comes after filmmaker Karen Shakhnazarov raised concerns about the service during a meeting with Putin, who assured him, "I'll take care of it, I'll watch." Russian users had been experiencing issues with YouTube since the summer, as the government threatened to impose further restrictions on the platform, which is owned by U.S. tech giant Google.
The Russian government has been increasingly critical of Google, particularly for banning Russian channels accused of spreading "propaganda." This criticism aligns with a broader trend of tightening control over digital platforms since the onset of the Ukraine conflict in 2022. Many Western social networks, including Facebook, Instagram, and X, have already faced bans or slowdowns in Russia, limiting the avenues for dissent and free expression.
Increased Internet Control Amidst Ongoing Tensions
Following the meeting with Shakhnazarov, reports from Russian media indicated that YouTube was fully operational again, with the Internet censorship monitoring service GlobalCheck confirming its accessibility across all major Russian Internet providers. The Kremlin's actions reflect a delicate balance between controlling the narrative and maintaining access to popular platforms that are essential for communication and entertainment.
Despite the restoration of YouTube, the Russian authorities continue to monitor and restrict access to various Western sites and social networks. In October, the government also banned the discussion platform Discord, further tightening its grip on online discourse. However, many of these platforms remain accessible through VPNs, which the authorities are also targeting as part of their broader internet control strategy.
