Russian users have increasingly reported significant slowdowns when accessing YouTube, particularly on mobile devices, starting from around December 15, 2023. The growing frustration became evident as complaints soared from around 10,000 per day to over 40,000 since December 18, according to monitoring services such as Sboi.rf and DownDetector. Users have indicated difficulties with both stationary and mobile access to the platform, sparking debates about the reasons behind these disruptions.
Reports suggest the uptick in complaints was particularly notable after 9 PM Moscow time, and the problems persisted through December 19. During this time, users reported failures to load videos and significant buffering issues, reminiscent of earlier restrictions on desktop access to the service. The geography of complaints highlights Moscow (35%), Saint Petersburg (14%), and regions including Yaroslavl, Krasnodar, and Sverdlovsk as primary sources of distress.
IT specialist Mikhail Klimarev acknowledged struggles among Russian internet users to access the platform effectively, stating they have not only expressed issues through social media but also reported their concerns to technical support services. His observations coincide with the increasing number of complaints logged on dedicated monitoring platforms.
Adding intrigue to the situation, Russian authorities, particularly Roskomnadzor, have expressed growing concerns over Google’s operations within the country. According to the agency, many of the current access issues stem from Google's decision to cease official operations within Russia two years ago, which led to the diminishing support for the platform’s infrastructure, including caching servers. Roskomnadzor has been clear about viewing Google’s actions as violations of Russian legislation, resulting potentially from the overall disrespect for the country and its citizens, which opens pathways for regulatory measures against YouTube.
During President Vladimir Putin's direct line broadcast on December 19, he underscored his view of Google’s mishaps, attributing much of the service degradation to the company's management decisions. Putin remarked, “The problems with YouTube are related more to the platform rather than our side. Google, when establishing its network here, created entities which need to be adequately supported...” He continued, explaining how budget cuts for Russian-based operations could lead to the current situation, indicating severe ramifications from Western sanctions on Google.
Indeed, previously cautious measures were allegedly escalated from December 15 onward, prompting rumors of full-scale restrictions on mobile access to YouTube. Observers on the telecommunications market maintained the blocks were not only affecting desktop users but had swiftly transitioned to mobile services with providers like MTS, Beeline, and Yota confirming reports of significantly slowed connections to YouTube servers.
The scope of these limitations raises alarms about potential long-term impacts on user behavior. Users have reportedly turned to alternative video hosting platforms, with national services like Rutube experiencing significant upticks. The popularity of these platforms, as asserted by Gazprom Media chief Alexander Zharov, was bolstered by dissatisfaction with YouTube's service quality, particularly following allegations of deliberate slowdowns.
Commentators speculate on the shifting dynamics, as traditional viewing habits morph outside of YouTube under the strain of systemic slowdowns. The overall metrics suggest YouTube traffic in Russia has plunged more than 60% compared to figures from July 2023, the month when the first noted slowdowns began. Russian media outlets and technology officials remain adamant about the changes and advise users on potential shifts to local video services.
Looking onward, Russian authorities strengthen claims against YouTube and its alleged failures. Roskomnadzor's announcement implies the possibility of increased scrutiny or punitive measures against the service if Google does not comply with local regulations. The internet space remains tentative as users navigate limited options, with rumors swirling about upcoming choices facing content creators and audiences likely transitioning from YouTube toward platforms like VK and Rutube.
The situation emphasizes the complex relationship between international tech giants and local legislation, illuminating how access to such services can quickly become politicized, impacting millions of users seeking reliable online content. The rapid rise of Russian alternatives amid these challenges poses intriguing questions about the future of online media consumption within the country.
