Global websites disrupted by cloud services outage
On a significant day for cloud services, several major websites experienced disruptions due to an outage. Notable services affected included Canva, Amazon’s Alexa, and Snapchat.
Outage Timeline and Impact
Canva issued a notification at 6:14 PM, stating that many features were “currently unavailable for some users” due to “significantly increased error rates.” Recovery signs emerged at 8:43 PM, with full functionality returning shortly thereafter.
Amazon’s Alexa service also faced issues, impacting users globally. Meanwhile, Snap, the parent company of Snapchat, acknowledged problems and advised users to “hang tight” as the investigation continued.
Snapchat began to return online just before 9 PM. The situation highlighted the vulnerabilities associated with cloud services.
Effects on Australian Streaming and Telecommunications
In Australia, the outage had a notable impact on streaming services. Nearly 50% of on-demand content on the 9Now platform, owned by Nine, suffered playback problems due to the incident.
The disruption was resolved at 9 PM. Although Telstra and Optus users reported issues, both telecommunications companies confirmed that their call services remained unaffected during the outage. An Optus spokesperson stated that while data services relying on the AWS cloud experienced disruptions, their network continued to operate normally.
Key Services Affected
- Canva
- Amazon Alexa
- Snapchat
- Australian streaming service 9Now
- Telstra
- Optus
| Service | Time of Issue | Time of Recovery |
|---|---|---|
| Canva | 6:14 PM | 8:43 PM |
| Snapchat | Not Specified | Before 9 PM |
| 9Now | During outage | 9 PM |
This outage underscores the interconnectedness and reliance on cloud infrastructure for numerous digital services today.
