Russian authorities have notified all major telecommunications operators in the country about the slowing down of video playback on YouTube to 128 Kbps. This was reported by «Meduza» on August 7, citing a source in the telecommunications market.
According to the source, the decision to slow down the speed of YouTube was made by the Russian government in order to reduce the load on the country’s internet infrastructure. This measure is being implemented as part of a larger effort to ensure the stability and security of the internet in Russia.
The decision has sparked controversy and criticism from both internet users and experts in the telecommunications industry. Many argue that this move goes against the principles of net neutrality and limits the freedom of access to information.
Net neutrality is the principle that all internet traffic should be treated equally, without discrimination or preference given to certain types of content or services. By slowing down the speed of YouTube, the Russian government is essentially giving preferential treatment to other types of internet traffic, which goes against the concept of net neutrality.
Critics also argue that this decision will have a negative impact on the user experience for those who rely on YouTube for educational, entertainment, and informational purposes. With slower video playback, it will take longer to load and watch videos, making it more difficult for users to access the content they need.
In addition, this move could also have economic consequences for businesses and content creators who rely on YouTube as a platform to reach their audience. Slower video playback could lead to a decrease in views and engagement, which could ultimately affect their revenue.
However, the Russian government defends its decision, stating that it is necessary to ensure the stability and security of the internet in the country. They argue that the increase in internet traffic, particularly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, has put a strain on the country’s infrastructure and this measure is necessary to prevent potential disruptions.
The decision to slow down YouTube also comes in the midst of tensions between Russia and Google, the parent company of YouTube. In recent years, the Russian government has been pushing for more control over the internet and has implemented various measures to restrict access to certain websites and platforms.
Despite the criticism and controversy, some experts believe that this move could have a positive impact on the development of the Russian internet infrastructure. By reducing the load on the network, it could potentially lead to improvements in internet speed and stability.
In conclusion, the decision to slow down YouTube in Russia has sparked debate and criticism, with many arguing that it goes against the principles of net neutrality and limits access to information. However, the Russian government defends its decision as necessary for the stability and security of the internet in the country. Only time will tell the true impact of this measure on the Russian internet landscape.
