YouTube streaming speeds in Russia will be slowed by up to 70% by the Russian government this week. This is because YouTube has failed to pull back restrictions on Russian-owned media outlets on their platform and refused to block content allegedly spreading fake news about them.
YouTube is one of the platforms still accessible in Russia after the conflict with Ukraine began two years ago. However, content producers in Russia can no longer generate income through the platform. Russian news channels such as RT are already blocked and this week's reduced speeds are punishment for YouTube's failure to follow government orders.
Since the conflict began, trade and technological barriers have been imposed on Russia. Major technology companies such as Netflix and Apple no longer offer their products directly on the Russian market. However, products can still be purchased through third parties. Access to chips critical to IT infrastructure is also affected.
Meanwhile, the Malaysian company Jatronics Sdn Bhd is among the 300 companies that were included in the United States sanctions list last May for dealing with Russia. The company, which has been operating since 2003, is said to have sent semiconductor components, wafers and microchips to Russia between April and September 2022 worth $3 million.