As tensions escalate in the Ukraine war, state-affiliated media outlet Russia Today reported that Google services, including YouTube, are inaccessible to users in the country.
Google, YouTube reportedly down in Ukraine
Latest reports coming from Russia’s attacks on Ukraine indicate President Vladimir Putin’s forces were still advancing towards assuming control of key cities the neighbouring country, on Thursday.
This is despite reports that Ukrainian officials have made the trip to the Ukraine-Belarus border to hold a second round of talks with members of The Kremlin.
According to Al Jazeera, while Putin’s advances have been scuppered in Kyiv, Russian forces have reportedly seized control of Kherson, south of Ukraine.
As millions of Ukrainians seek refuge in neighbouring countries, Russia Today reported that locals left behind in the war-ridden nation have been blocked out of Google services, including Gmail and YouTube.
Google services DOWN in Ukraine
— RT (@RT_com) March 3, 2022
It's reported Gmail isn't functioning and YouTube is impossible to access – local media reports. pic.twitter.com/9VMyXRPSpi
Suspicion is rife around the cause of the reported outage. However, no links have been made between the Google blackout and cyberattacks.
Russia Today is the subject of furore in South Africa after network giant Multichoice banned the state-affiliated news channel from DStv.
“MultiChoice confirms that as of today, 2 March 2022, Russia Today (Channel 407) shall not be carried on the DStv platform until further notice. Sanctions imposed on Russia by the E.U has led to the global distributor ceasing to provide the broadcast feed to all suppliers,” the network group noted in a statement.
Political parties and regulatory organisations have since called for an inquest into the decision by Multichoice, which many believe, is an infringement on press freedom.