In the last few hours, we are talking about nothing but Google’s decision to block Duma TV, the YouTube channel of the lower house of the Russian Parliament. The reason? A clear “violation of the YouTube Terms of Service”. But now, apparently, the media regulator Roskomnadzor has asked the tech giant to permanently unblock the channel. A somewhat risky request, which we do not yet know how it will be received by Google.
Duma TV: Moscow asks for the YouTube channel to be restored
“Roskomnadzor asked the US-based Google LLC, owner of the YouTube service, to immediately restore access to the Russian Duma’s YouTube channel ‘Duma TV’ and to explain the reason for these restrictions.” So we read in a press release announcing the Russian government’s request. Apparently, the decision to block the canal was not particularly appreciated by Kremlin officials. It is therefore not surprising that Roskomnadzor asked Google to restore Duma TV.
On this occasion, the Russian government accused the colossus of adhering to “a pronounced anti-Russian position in the information war unleashed by the West” against the state. Apparently, a spokesperson for the company would have replied stating that “Google is committed to complying with all applicable sanctions and trade compliance laws. If we find that an account violates our Terms of Service, we take appropriate action. ” And he then added that the tech giant is “carefully monitoring the situation” to propose updates in this regard. What will happen to Duma TV? We will find out shortly.