YouTube Faces Significant Slowdown in Russia Amidst Legal Tensions

YouTube speeds on desktop computers in Russia could decline by up to 70% within two weeks as part of an effort to compel the platform to reinstate blocked Russian channels. Alexander Khinshtein, a senior Russian lawmaker, stated the slowdown targets YouTube's administration for violating Russian laws by blocking state media channels.

YouTube speeds on desktop computers in Russia may drop by around 40% this week and up to 70% the following week, a senior Russian lawmaker, close to the authorities, said on Thursday. This move is part of a drive to persuade the video hosting site to reinstate blocked Russian channels.

Alphabet's YouTube has faced heavy criticism in Russia for taking down channels that broadcast Russian state media. Russia has also fined Google on many occasions for failing to remove content Russia considers illegal or undesirable.

"The 'degradation' of YouTube is a necessary step, directed not against Russian users, but against the administration of a foreign resource that still believes it can violate and ignore our legislation without punishment," Alexander Khinshtein, head of the State Duma lower house of parliament's Committee on Information Policy, said on Telegram. Google did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The fate of YouTube in Russia was in the company's hands, he said. "If the administration of the resource will not change its policy and will not start observing our laws, it can expect nothing good here," Khinshtein wrote.

(With inputs from agencies.)