Globally, users are encountering YouTube notifications warning about restrictions on viewing videos when using a VPN. The platform has disallowed access to a number of clips. In some instances, new videos from certain YouTube channels may not appear at all if a user is connected via VPN, as reported by “Kommersant” citing sources.
Furthermore, while watching videos on the platform, users might see pop-up warnings requesting the disabling of VPN services. These measures have been observed on channels featuring international sports broadcasts and television premieres. “Kommersant” notes that YouTube is implementing these actions to combat the illegal broadcasting of content in regions where broadcasting rights have not been secured.
Sources have clarified that these restrictions are not exclusive to any single country; rather, they are being applied on a global scale. These sources believe that the limitations will not impact the entirety of the video hosting service’s content universally.
Mikhail Sergeev, a lead engineer at CorpSoft24, highlighted that these measures are not implemented by country but rather by specific rights associated with video products. Consequently, a video might be accessible to one user while remaining inaccessible to another, he explained.
“YouTube examines IP addresses, account country, payment details, location history, and VPN indicators,” he stated. “For users in Russia, this means that a portion of content with regional distribution rights may more frequently be unavailable when accessed via a VPN,” Mikhail Sergeev commented.
Scammers have begun distributing malicious software disguised as a free service for bypassing restrictions. The Ministry of Internal Affairs has noted that this scheme aims to grant criminals access to a user’s SMS messages and banking applications. The program is also capable of downloading additional harmful modules without the owner’s knowledge.
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