You may soon need a VPN app to keep accessing the service
How to Access YouTube in Russia Despite Recent Throttling
“How to Bypass YouTube Throttling in Russia” If you’re encountering issues with YouTube in Russia, it’s not due to a technical glitch or internet problem. Recent reports reveal that Russian authorities are planning to reduce the speed of YouTube by up to 70% by the end of next week. Additionally, there are indications that YouTube may face a complete block in Russia starting in September, according to anonymous sources cited by the independent news outlet Meduza on July 12, 2024.
Currently, YouTube is the last major Western social media platform accessible in Russia, with over 93 million users. Other platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are blocked unless accessed via VPNs, which are increasingly risky to use due to heightened government scrutiny.
Why Is YouTube Throttled in Russia?
Alexander Khinshtein, chairman of Russia’s parliamentary committee on technology, announced on Telegram on July 25 that the throttling is a response to what he describes as YouTube’s “anti-Russian policies.” Khinshtein claimed that YouTube is removing channels belonging to Russian public figures who have views differing from the Western perspective.
However, international organizations argue against this narrative. Over 20 groups criticized Google for aiding Russia in suppressing free speech by blocking anti-war content and channels since February.
Throttling reportedly began on July 11, two weeks before Khinshtein’s announcement. Initially, Russian authorities denied involvement, attributing the issues to technical problems, but a presidential administration source later confirmed plans to block YouTube completely in September.
Can a VPN Help Bypass Throttling?
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) can help you circumvent throttling by encrypting your internet connection and masking your IP address, making it appear as if you are browsing from another country. This can bypass government-imposed restrictions and access blocked content.
While VPNs are increasingly crucial in Russia, their use is under growing scrutiny. The government has cracked down on VPN services, with new laws criminalizing information about bypassing internet restrictions. In July, around 25 popular VPN apps were removed from the Apple App Store, and there are concerns that the Google Play Store may follow suit.
Despite these challenges, some VPNs remain available and functional. It’s advisable to download multiple VPN apps to switch between them if one gets blocked. Free VPNs are available but should be chosen cautiously for security reasons. For more options, check our guide on the best free VPN services.
Roskomsvoboda, a Russian digital rights group, has developed its own VPN product, Amnezia Free, which can be set up on a personal server. Other Russia-focused VPN services include RedShield and Xeovo.
If downloading a VPN proves difficult, consider sideloading on Android devices or using alternative installation methods. Services like Le VPN have created special connections to bypass recent App Store restrictions.
Additionally, tools such as Tor Browser and FreeBrowser can provide alternative ways to access restricted content by encrypting traffic and disguising your IP address.
Summary
Navigating YouTube’s throttling in Russia requires using a VPN or other circumvention tools. As the situation evolves, staying informed about available methods and maintaining multiple options will be crucial for accessing content freely.