Instagram and Facebook to cut video streaming quality to save networks
Follows example of Netflix and other streaming amid broadband surge
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Facebook has announced it will be cutting the streaming quality on its sites, includingInstagram, as part of a campaign to try and reduce the strain networks caused by the coronavirus outbreak..
The social media giant is aiming to help ameliorate the stress being put on internet conections as more people work from home due to the virus shutting down offices worldwide..
The main Facebook site will be affected by the restriction, as will Instagram, with the new regulations being rolled out across Europe this week.
Facebook streaming cut
“We are committed to working with our partners to manage any bandwidth constraints during this period of heavy demand, while also ensuring people are able to remain connected using Facebook apps and services,” said a Facebook spokesman.
Several other major streaming services have also limited services to try and minimise the strain on networks, withNetflix and YouTubetaking such measures last week after a request by the European Union.
Brussels asked streaming services to limit content to standard definition - as opposed to high definition or4K- and users to consider reducing data consumption.
Disney,Apple, andAmazonhave also confirmed they will lower streaming quality. Domestic broadband is well equipped to handle evening traffic surges, but social distancing and quarantine policies introduced by governments across the globe are further aggravating these periods of high traffic.
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Phone networks across the world have also seen traffic reach new highs across the past few weeks, with all the major UK operators seeing services strained.
Via:CityAM
Mike Moore is Deputy Editor at TechRadar Pro. He has worked as a B2B and B2C tech journalist for nearly a decade, including at one of the UK’s leading national newspapers and fellow Future title ITProPortal, and when he’s not keeping track of all the latest enterprise and workplace trends, can most likely be found watching, following or taking part in some kind of sport.
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