Additionally, data shows that Russian internet traffic has plummeted by 80%, dropping from 40 points over the summer to a mere 8.5 as of December.
Mikhail Klimarev, Director of the Society to Protect the Internet, commented that such speed makes the platform virtually unusable: “We confirm: YouTube is effectively blocked in Russia.”
This isn’t the first time Russian authorities have restricted access to YouTube, but this instance marks a significant step-up. Some users report inability to access the platform even via VPN services.
The blockage intensification commenced around mid-December, with a surge in user complaints in recent days.
Previously, the Kremlin had stated that the slowing YouTube’s service in Russia isn’t a priority. Putin suggested that YouTube had slowed itself down in Russia.
