A forthcoming analogue of the American video platform YouTube is expected to appear in Russia by the end of June, according to statements reported by RIA News and attributed to Anton Gorelkin, who serves as Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Information Policy, Information Technologies and Communications. The forthcoming option is described as a potential substitute rather than a full copy of YouTube, with officials indicating that a 100 percent equivalent has not yet been identified.
The discussion around foreign hosting services has intensified. Gorelkin stressed the need to apply ongoing pressure on foreign video hosts and resellers, arguing that current actions against violators of Russia’s landing law are insufficient. He suggested expanding enforcement and even implementing a ban on advertising on such platforms as a means to curb non-compliant activity and protect domestic services.
As part of these efforts, Gorelkin said he submitted an official request to Roskomnadzor urging a broader range of impact measures against foreign hosting providers. The aim is to diversify enforcement tools and increase the effectiveness of regulatory responses to violations observed in the video hosting space.
Earlier in the year, Gorelkin had already advocated for the creation of a single domestic video hosting platform capable of competing with international services. Russia hosts several domestic options in this space, including VK Video, RuTube, and Zen, among others, which are positioned as national alternatives to the American behemoth.
Public statements from government representatives have consistently indicated that there are no declared plans to block YouTube outright in Russia. Instead, the focus has been on strengthening domestic alternatives and tightening regulatory oversight of foreign platforms to ensure alignment with national policies and legal requirements.
For audiences outside Russia, these moves illustrate a broader trend toward ensuring access to local, domestically regulated video services while maintaining channels for international content. Observers in Canada and the United States may watch closely how regulatory measures shape the competitive landscape for video hosting, as responses to platform governance can influence user experiences, data handling, and advertising ecosystems across borders.