Russia vs. Belarus: A Social Media Divide

Social Media Access: A Tale of Two Countries. Russia and Belarus, despite their close ties, exhibit stark differences in social media accessibility. While Instagram and YouTube remain blocked in Russia, their Belarusian counterparts enjoy unrestricted access. This disparity stems from Russia's focus on domestically developed platforms like Rutube and VK Video, which operate under stricter national regulations. "In Russia, they have their own social media, controlled by their laws," explains a Belarusian woman in a recent video discussing the issue. This highlights the contrasting approaches to online freedom and control in the two nations. The situation underscores the complex relationship between technology, national security, and freedom of information.