Blocking YouTube video hosting in the Russian Federation would likely backfire, causing more harm than good. In a Telegram channel, State Duma deputy Anton Gorelkin voiced the view that Russian bloggers might not have a future on this platform. He pointed out that the platform is closely watched and the situation could deteriorate if measures become more aggressive, possibly inviting unpredictable consequences for local creators and media outlets. This perspective highlights a broader concern about the impact of online restrictions on Russia’s digital ecosystem and the livelihoods of those who rely on video content to reach audiences.
The deputy chairman of parliament’s information policy, information technology and communications committee described YouTube as a platform that has repeatedly clashed with Russian legislation and regulatory expectations. He stressed that while the service may be considered hostile in practice, there is no certainty that it will abandon a more confrontational stance in the future. The risk, he suggested, is that decisive moves against the platform could provoke a broader pushback from international partners and from viewers who expect stable access to online video content, complicating Russia’s information space.
Gorelkin warned that the idea of eliminating YouTube from the Russian market would not be a simple or risk-free fix. He argued that a complete ban could produce counterproductive outcomes, such as driving audiences to alternative channels that are harder to monitor or regulate, and potentially limiting access to a diverse range of content. His stance points to a need for careful policy design that weighs national interests against the practical realities of a digitally interconnected audience.
Alexander Khishtein, who previously chaired the Information Policy Committee of the Russian State Duma, remarked that there are no current plans to block YouTube. He indicated that such a development would only occur if a robust, fully functional domestic analogue to the service emerged and proved capable of meeting audience demand and regulatory standards. This view aligns with a cautious, data-driven approach that prioritizes stability and continuity in the media landscape while exploring viable Russian alternatives if and when they are ready for deployment, according to sources cited in parliamentary briefings.
Earlier, it was noted that YouTube management restricted the ability to add new videos to the Vzglyad newspaper channel. This action was part of a broader set of adjustments the platform has implemented to align with evolving regional policies and content guidelines. The incident underscores the friction between global platforms and national regulators, as well as the ongoing negotiation between user-generated content, editorial oversight, and platform governance that shapes the online video environment in Russia. [citation]