В августе 2024 года российские власти начали блокировать и замедлять доступ к YouTube, что привело к значительным перебоям в работе платформы. К декабрю 2024 года доступ к сервису был фактически заблокирован на всей территории России, и трафик снизился до 20% от прежнего уровня.

To bypass blocks and maintain access to YouTube, it is recommended to use trusted VPN services or specialized anti-censorship apps. However, you should be cautious with free VPNs and unknown browser extensions, as they may contain malicious code. In addition, Roskomnadzor actively blocks VPN service websites, so it’s a good idea to have several alternative ways to bypass censorship ready in advance.

Keep in mind that the effectiveness of various methods for bypassing blocks may vary depending on the actions of censors and the technologies they use. It is recommended that you regularly update your information on available methods for bypassing censorship and use only verified sources.

To bypass internet restrictions, including those on YouTube, you can use the following methods

VPN Services: Virtual private networks (VPNs) encrypt your internet traffic and reroute it through servers in other countries, hiding your location and providing access to blocked content. It is recommended to choose reputable paid VPN services to ensure security and a stable connection. // Deutsche Welle

Tor Browser: Tor provides anonymous access to the Internet by hiding your IP address and bypassing censorship. However, connection speeds may be slower than with a regular browser. // Deutsche Welle

Specialized browser extensions: There are extensions, such as “FastProxy” for Google Chrome, that help you bypass blocks on certain websites. However, be careful when choosing such tools and use only trusted sources. // Chrome Web Store

Software for bypassing DPI locks: Tools such as “GoodbyeDPI” for Windows allow users to bypass blocks based on deep packet inspection (DPI). For Linux systems, there is a similar utility called “zapret.” // Gist

Using Alternative Links and Mirrors: Some websites provide alternative links or mirrors of their sites to bypass blocks. For example, DW offers a mirror link to access its content. // Deutsche Welle

Anonymizers: Online services that allow you to access blocked websites without installing additional software. However, using them may be less secure and slower. // International Neighbors

When using these methods, it is important to keep the security and privacy of your data in mind. Avoid questionable or free services that could compromise your information. Regularly update the tools you use and stay informed about changes in your country’s laws regarding the use of such technologies.

For more detailed information on how to bypass blocks, you can watch the following video:

Apps for Fighting Censorship

First, let’s reiterate: these apps are not VPNs and do not encrypt your traffic. However, they “mask” the appearance of the traffic to censorship authorities: the authorities cannot tell that the packets are from, say, Telegram or YouTube, and therefore do not block them. // Jellyfish

CENO Browser. It is a browser that allows users to share content directly, creating a peer-to-peer network. Torrents, for example, work on the same principle, and in some ways it resembles Fidonet. CENO users join together in a network and can share web pages downloaded from the internet. If the internet in Russia were to be completely isolated, but at least a few users still had the ability to download web pages from the outside internet, other CENO users would also be able to view those pages. If restrictions affect only a specific city or region, users from other regions will be able to help its residents. And, of course, if only specific websites are blocked, a user within the blocked zone will be able to obtain a copy of them through users who are outside the zone or who have managed to bypass it. To transfer content, residents of the shutdown zone will be able to use Wi-Fi networks or mobile data connections, if they are available. If the power is also cut off, this system will not work. It is important that the browser be used by people both in countries where the internet is blocked and in those where access is unrestricted. You can learn more about how this works from the project tutorials. "The Greenhouse of Social Technologies" and "The First Department".

GoodbyeDPI. A tool developed by a Russian activist to combat Roskomnadzor; it runs on Windows. Be sure to download it directly from the repository via the link provided—counterfeit versions of this popular app have already begun to appear, and “Trojan” malware is being distributed under its guise. Setup instructions are available on GitHub.

ByeDPIAndroid and PowerTunnel. The same applies to Android phones and tablets. Just make sure you download apps only from the links we provide.

Censor Tracker (and one more link (in case the first one doesn't open). A Chrome and Firefox extension developed by Roskomvoboda. It not only allows you to unblock “filtered” websites, but also helps Roskomvoboda document instances of censorship on the Russian internet.