Facebook (FB) has announced that it is reducing video streaming quality across Europe on its social media sites – Facebook and Instagram. The move is reportedly designed to reduce the burden on the internet as more people are forced to stay in their homes because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The news was announced in a Twitter post by a company spokesperson that said, “To help alleviate any potential network congestion during the #COVID19 crisis, we will temporarily reduce bit rates for videos on Facebook and Instagram in Europe.”

Facebook joins YouTube, Netflix, Amazon, and Disney, which have all announced similar measures.

Thierry Breton, an EU industry official, has urged media platforms to take action and reduce the strain that streaming platforms can put on the internet as people around the globe are forced to work remotely or stay at home as businesses close to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, CNBC reported.

Shares of Facebook stock were up 0.31% as of 1:17 p.m. EDT on Monday.

Facebook is suing an analytics firm, accusing it of improperly gathering data from users of the social network
Facebook is suing an analytics firm, accusing it of improperly gathering data from users of the social network AFP / DENIS CHARLET
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