President Vladimir V. Putin has cracked down on free expression in Russia by restricting access to popular social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. The latest target is YouTube, a Western tech platform that has been a staple in the daily lives of many Russians.
While not formally banned, YouTube has faced deliberate throttling by Russian authorities, resulting in slower service and pixelated videos for many users. This has led to a decrease in Russian internet traffic to the site, prompting some viewers to turn to state-controlled domestic platforms instead.
However, tech-savvy users are utilizing VPNs to bypass the restrictions and continue accessing YouTube content. This has created a divide in internet usage, with some users able to access the site while others opt for domestic alternatives. The Kremlin’s goal of creating a “splinternet” where users are steered toward state-controlled platforms seems to be taking shape.
The tension between the Kremlin and Google, which owns YouTube, has escalated in recent years, with Google blocking Russian state-sponsored propaganda channels and complying with international sanctions. Russian authorities have fined Google and criticized the company for not following Russian laws.
The ongoing battle over internet freedom in Russia highlights the challenges of controlling access to global tech platforms in an increasingly digital world. The use of VPNs and the migration to domestic platforms demonstrate the resilience of Russian internet users in the face of government censorship.