Anton Nemkin, a member of the State Duma Committee on Information Policy, has stated that Russian authorities are not currently considering blocking YouTube in Russia, despite numerous violations of the country`s laws. This information was reported by RIA Novosti.
Nemkin noted: “At the moment, there is no talk of a complete shutdown or direct blocking of YouTube. However, users should be aware of the risks – both in terms of access and in terms of storing their data and content on a foreign platform.”
He added, “Despite these [numerous violations of Russian law], no radical steps to block the resource are being taken yet. The slowing down of its operation due to outdated equipment should not be confused with actions by regulators. Today, YouTube is working in Russia, albeit with interruptions. Nevertheless, the platform is under close attention, and its operation may indeed be limited if the situation does not change.”
Earlier, a court recorded debts of Google`s Russian division amounting to approximately ₽91.5 quintillion (a number with 18 zeros). Almost this entire sum consists of penalties related to decisions about the unjustified blocking of some channels on YouTube.
Finley Holt