RuTube has seen a surge in users since Moscow restricted access to Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
Tbilisi/Berlin — When YouTube stopped users in Russia from monetising their clips after the invasion of Ukraine, George Kavanosyan, a Moscow-based environmentalist with 60,000 followers on the platform, tried to switch to its local equivalent, RuTube.
With Russian media dominated by state outlets that closely follow Kremlin lines, the web has traditionally provided a space for opposition voices and open discussions. RuTube was downloaded about 1.4-million times on Russia’s App Store and Google Play in the 40 days after Russia invaded Ukraine, up more than 2,000% on the previous period, according to data analytics firm Sensor Tower.
Russia is not alone in attempting to foster a domestic internet ecosystem. Countries including China and India have built substitute apps and social media platforms that are more easily controlled by the government. Short video app Josh, launched just days after the government banned China’s TikTok in 2020, claims to have more than 150-million users.
“I don’t see any point in the newly created Russian-language services. It is unlikely that I will be able to speak freely on them,” said Alexander Kim, a YouTuber and human rights activist.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
UKRAINE UPDATE: 11 APRIL 2022: Austrian leader headed to Moscow; Putin’s new commanderAustrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer said he’ll meet Russia’s Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Monday, two days after visiting Kyiv. European defence officials met to discuss the next phase of the war in Ukraine, in which Russia is expected to mount an offensive for the control of eastern areas.
Read more »
Veteran Hong Kong journalist arrested for 'sedition'A veteran Hong Kong journalist was arrested by national security police on Monday for allegedly conspiring to publish 'seditious materials', a police source and local media said.
Read more »
Ukraine readies itself for ‘big battles’ ahead of Russia’s eastern offensiveUkraine is preparing for 'big battles' against Moscow's forces in the east of the country, officials in Kyiv say, as thousands of civilians flee in fear of an imminent Russian offensive.
Read more »
Was Twitter's infamous Mr Smeg used? | CitypressA few months ago, social media was treated to a national lunch date involving actor and broadcaster Pearl Thusi and social media influencer Mr Smeg, whose given name is Michael Bucwa.
Read more »
Return of the taxmanA revitalised Sars is cracking down on crooks and reaping the rewards of a return to efficiency — revenue hit R1.56-trillion for the just-finished fiscal year, writes ClaireBisseker.
Read more »
Elon Musk’s big plans for TwitterElon Musk wants Twitter to offer authentication checkmarks and zero ads for users that pay for premium features on the social media service.
Read more »