Facebook will downgrade the quality of video streaming on both its own platform and that of its subsidiary Instagram in Europe, in response to the European Commission’s call last week.
This is done in order not to overload and congestion the broadband networks, due to the increased demands of e-government, teleworking, distance education, digital entertainment, but also e-health services due to corona.
It was preceded by a similar initiative by Netflix, YouTube, and Amazon. A Facebook spokesman said that “in order to help prevent any network congestion, we will temporarily reduce video bits on Facebook and Instagram in Europe.” This will last as long as there are still concerns about the smooth operation of the networks, according to Reuters.
Netflix and YouTube have set a 30-day limit for downgrading the quality of their own videos, while Disney said it would cut at least 25% of the quality of its own videos in all European countries where it will release next week the new Disney + service, competing with Netflix.
Video streaming can occupy even two-thirds of data traffic on fixed and mobile broadband networks.
Source: AMPE
