YouTube will change its video quality to standard definition by default for users in the European Union | Martin Bureau/AFP via Getty Images YouTube adjusts video quality to help with European internet congestion European internet networks are under increased strain as more people log on from home.

Video platform YouTube will change its video quality to standard definition by default for users in the European Union, the company announced Friday.

The move comes after a conversation Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton had with Google’s CEO, Sundar Pichai, and YouTube's CEO Susan Wojcicki. Streaming service Netflix made a similar pledge on Thursday.

"While we have seen only a few usage peaks, we have measures in place to automatically adjust our system to use less network capacity," a Google spokesperson said in a statement.

"We will continue working with member state governments and network operators to minimize stress on the system, while also delivering a good user experience," they continued.

European internet networks are under increased strain as more people log on from home amid containment measures to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Breton welcomed Google's initiative.

“Millions of Europeans are adapting to social distancing measures thanks to digital platforms, helping them to telework, e-learn and entertain themselves," he said in a statement. "I appreciate the strong responsibility that Mr Pichai and Mrs Wojcicki have demonstrated. We will closely follow the evolution of the situation together."