Google Services Disrupted by Unusual Traffic, Users Report
Google users around the globe experienced disruptions to service on February 22, 2026, encountering a message indicating “unusual traffic from your computer network.” The issue, which impacted access to services like YouTube, suggests automated requests originating from users’ internet connections triggered Google’s security protocols.
The message directs affected users to resolve the issue, typically by completing a reCAPTCHA challenge to verify their human identity. However, reports indicate that the block persists for some even after successfully completing the reCAPTCHA, pointing to a more complex underlying cause.
According to Google’s support documentation, several factors can contribute to this issue. These range from malware infections on individual devices to broader network problems and the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). The core of the problem, Google explains, stems from network activity that closely resembles automated, or “bot,” traffic.
Malware installed on a computer can generate these automated requests without the user’s knowledge, triggering the security block. This highlights the importance of regular malware scans and maintaining up-to-date security software. The problem isn’t limited to individual users. compromised networks, such as those found in schools or businesses, can also be a source of the issue.
The affected user experiencing the disruption reported an IP address of 2403:6b80:6:100::6773:882 at on February 20, 2026, while attempting to access a YouTube video at https://www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3DRFPSW5OHk2w.
The use of VPNs can also trigger the “unusual traffic” message. Google notes that some VPNs and tunnel services can inadvertently block all traffic because they make it difficult to distinguish between legitimate and abusive activity. Users experiencing this issue are advised to uninstall the VPN or contact their VPN provider.
The problem isn’t isolated to VPN users. Google’s support materials also suggest that issues with an internet provider’s network could be responsible. If multiple users sharing the same internet provider are sending automated searches, it can trigger the security block.
Similar reports of this issue surfaced in April 2021, with users on a tech support forum suggesting that previous activity associated with a user’s IP address could be the cause. One user speculated that someone with prior access to the IP address may have been engaging in suspicious activity, leading Google to flag subsequent requests.
As of February 22, 2026, Google has not issued a formal statement regarding the widespread reports of disrupted service. Users continuing to experience the issue are encouraged to learn how to detect and remove malware, contact their network administrator or internet provider, or consider temporarily disabling their VPN.
The incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by online platforms in balancing security with accessibility. While measures to prevent automated abuse are essential, the disruption experienced by legitimate users highlights the need for refined detection mechanisms and clearer communication regarding the causes and resolutions of these blocks.
