Russia sees YouTube and Western internet services as a menace to the regime which bestows the opportunity to spread views and hatred, without sticking to its national agenda.

One of the popular video streaming apps YouTube confronts the risk of a ban in Russia by September. The Russian government is preparing to forbid YouTube as it has already begun to slow down the internet service in the Western territories.

WhatsApp is also there on the list as authorities stated that the messaging app is used by terrorist groups and wouldn’t encourage using the app which may lead to extremist actions. As per the reports, officials stated that the messaging platform was left to various kerfuffles as a series of attacks were found at the Degastun, a Muslim-majority area in the North Caucasus in Russia resulting in the demise of 20 compatriots.

Also, read| “West Provoked Russian Invasion Of Ukraine”: UK Right-Wing Leader Nigel Farage

Russia has previously banned Facebook and Twitter shutting down its complete use. However, the reports suggest that the quality of YouTube videos and downtime would be higher as the users may experience a bit long download time and buffering as well as lower video quality. This plan to shun YouTube access started after the intrusion of Ukraine in demand of censorship to take a series of measures against unlawful activities through the restriction of freedom of speech and expression.

According to the reports, Russia sees YouTube and Western internet services as a menace to the regime which bestows the opportunity to spread views and hatred, without sticking to its national agenda. The government aims to halt the propaganda of spreading Western influence inside the nation. At the beginning of 2024, Russia asked Google to restore 200 Pro-Government YouTube channels that were blocked due to the Russia-Ukraine war. The government requested a review of the decision and to restitute the blocked channels of Russian Media and federal authorities besides political figures and performers.

Also, read| Why Pakistan Bans Social Media Platforms – YouTube, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram…?

The decision to ban global platforms from slowing down their activities may affect millions of users who are into entertainment and creativity. Russia is planning to cut down the use of  Western media under the supervision of the Kremlin (the official seat of the government of Russia) compelling citizens to rely on Russian alternatives.