Media: Russia fully blocks YouTube access

Access to YouTube in Russia appears to have been further restricted, following recent disruptions to Telegram, as authorities continue tightening control over online communications.

According to reports from the Exploit Telegram channel, Russia’s media regulator Roskomnadzor has removed YouTube-related domains from its DNS servers. As a result, users are allegedly unable to resolve YouTube’s web address to an IP address, making the site inaccessible altogether. Officially, Russian authorities have not announced a nationwide block of the video platform, Caliber.Az reports.

YouTube videos have been largely unavailable to Russian users for more than a year, with many reporting that while the website itself could still be opened, video playback did not function. The latest reported measures suggest a new escalation, as even basic access to the platform’s homepage now appears to be failing for many users.

Some internet service providers had previously been reported to partially restore or accelerate access to YouTube content, but these improvements have reportedly been rolled back in recent weeks.

The apparent move aligns with the Kremlin’s broader effort to reduce reliance on Western digital platforms and promote domestic alternatives under its so-called “sovereign internet” strategy, which aims to strengthen state oversight of online infrastructure and communications.

Separately, Telegram has experienced widespread disruptions across Russia for a second consecutive day. Users reported difficulties loading content, downloading photos and videos, or connecting to the app altogether. Complaints recorded by outage-monitoring services surged to approximately 15,000—far above typical levels.

In August 2025, Roskomnadzor effectively blocked voice calls via Telegram and WhatsApp, citing their alleged use in fraud, extortion, and the recruitment of individuals for sabotage activities.

Earlier this year, in June, President Vladimir Putin signed legislation establishing a national digital platform centered on the state-developed Max messenger, which is integrated with government services. Human rights organisations have warned that the platform could significantly expand state surveillance capabilities.

By Sabina Mammadli