Netflix and YouTube Are Reducing Streaming Quality in Europe to Prevent The Internet From Breaking
Now I’m assuming most of us have resorted to watching Netflix during the quarantine that has taken place. I mean who wouldn’t? I have!
Me, myself and I have been loving the new found time Netflix and I have been able to spend together. Mostly during the day I like to have Netflix on for background noise, although I do stream a lot of movies on the weekend…
As many others are most likely to do the same, to watch Netflix from the comfort of their own home with their pjs on, according to the European Union, too much Netflix can “break” the Internet.
The EU is reportedly concerned with the strain from hundreds of millions of people working from home and is urging Netflix and other streaming platforms to omit video in HD.
Netflix has already adjusted the streaming quality and will use a special delivery network to consume less internet bandwidth. Google (YouTube) has done the same.
“We estimate that this will reduce Netflix traffic on European networks by around 25% while also ensuring a good quality service for our members,” a Netflix spokesperson said in a statement.
A spokesperson for Google (GOOGL), which owns YouTube, said: “We will continue working with member state governments and network operators to minimize stress on the system, while also delivering a good user experience.”
However, the internet is still being strained. Even Facebook has been facing “big surges” according to CEO Mark Zuckerberg and apps for virtual messaging and phone calls such as WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger, are all under pressure.
Makes sense since all the communication we have right now is text messaging and video chat!
Live streaming has also been more in demand recently and is a big factor as well with putting some strain on the internet.
Just as people are taking steps to avoid unnecessary social contact and practicing better hygiene to help fight the pandemic, so they should think about whether they really need to livestream a lecture, for example, rather recording it.”
“Be a bit more conscious about the demand every one of us places on the internet, that is a good step to help out and ease the overload,” Leung said.
And he’s right! Just as we are all on guard about social distancing, washing our hands until they’re raw and staying at home, we all need to be more cognizant with our own personal use of the internet and try reading a book instead!
