YouTube traffic in Russia has dropped to record lows: what is happening.

The Russian authorities have banned access to the video hosting service YouTube on their territory, which is confirmed by monitoring data and an investigation by the Russian BBC service.

According to Google, traffic to YouTube in Russia has sharply decreased to only 8.5 percent of the usual activity level.

Experts confirm a significant decline in traffic by 40 percent, indicating large-scale technical obstacles.

The restrictions on access to YouTube began in the summer when 'Rostelecom' started explaining the slowdown in data transmission with problems related to Google’s equipment.

Later, the Russian authorities acknowledged the intentional slowing of access. Systematic restrictions on access for Russian users to the international video hosting platform continue to this day.

It is worth noting that BMW has confirmed deliveries of cars to Russia, despite sanctions.