10 countries where YouTube is banned (blocked)
Here is a list of countries that have banned YouTube or Twitter and the reasons why they have taken such extreme steps against the popular websites.
YouTube, the most popular video-sharing site globally, has faced limitations or complete bans in several countries including Russia, Turkey, and Brazil. Here's a list of 10 countries that have censored YouTube.
Today, we will be discussing the top 10 countries that have censored YouTube, despite its worldwide popularity as the leading video-sharing site.
In this list, we will examine countries that have implemented censorship or ban on YouTube. The ranking is based on the severity of the reason and the extent of censorship.
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Let's get started!
#10: Russia
Russia has censored YouTube in the past due to battles with extremism. In 2010, a video of an Islamic extremist claiming responsibility for the Moscow Metro Bombings was uploaded and then removed. The Kavkaz Center, an independent Islamist news agency, claimed that over 300 of their videos were ordered to be removed by Russian officials. In July 2010, the city court of Komsomolsk-on-Amur tried to block YouTube for hosting extremist content, but the ban failed.
#9: Brazil
The paparazzi record everything. In September 2006, Daniella Cicarelli and her boyfriend were filmed fooling around on a public beach. The video gained attention online, and Cicarelli asked YouTube to remove it. Despite their efforts, users kept re-uploading the clip, and it continued circulating. Frustrated, Cicarelli and her boyfriend sued YouTube, requesting a ban until the video was taken down. Surprisingly, the Brazilian court agreed, and YouTube was blocked in the country for a few days until the decision was reversed.
#8: Turkey
YouTube censorship is common in Turkey. The first instance occurred in March 2007 when videos insulting the founder of Turkey were posted. TUrk Telecom, the main internet provider, was instructed to block the site until the offensive videos were taken down.
#7: Libya
In January 2010, Libyans had their access to YouTube blocked. This was due to the posting of numerous videos that were considered unacceptable. Some videos showed a protest by family members of inmates who were killed in Abu Salim prison, a prison notorious for its mistreatment of prisoners. Other unacceptable videos depicted Muammar al-Gaddafi's family members at a lavish party. The ban was lifted one year later, after the Libyan Civil War ended.
#6: Thailand
YouTube censorship is common in Thailand. In 2006, several videos mocking the country's King were posted on the site. Defamation of the King is illegal according to Thai law. To regain access to the site, Google had to remove 20 "offensive" videos, including those insulting the King and criticising the law. It was blocked again in March 2007 without an official reason, and again the following month after more offensive videos and images of the monarch were uploaded. The ban was finally lifted almost five months later after YouTube agreed to block the offensive content from Thai viewers.
#5: Turkmenistan
On Christmas Day, 2009, Turkmenistan blocked YouTube and other social websites like LiveJournal. No official reason was given for the block. However, news sources suggest that the government wanted to prevent citizens from accessing alternative information and news sources.
#4: China
YouTube is blocked in China, with a few exceptions. It was first blocked in October 2007 for five months. It was blocked again in March 2009 after videos emerged of security officials beating protesters in Tibet. Beijing officials called the videos doctored and placed a ban on YouTube.
#3: Pakistan
Pakistan has implemented multiple bans on YouTube. The first ban occurred in February 2008, citing "non-Islamic objectionable videos" as the reason. However, some believe it was a cover-up for videos exposing vote-rigging by the ruling party. Another ban followed in May 2010 due to blaspheming images of Muhammad. YouTube was then banned again for not removing the trailer for "Innocence of Muslims," an anti-Islamic film. The ban was lifted three years later when YouTube introduced a local version that allowed government officials to have better control over potentially controversial content.
#2: Iran
Iran has a history of internet censorship, particularly with regard to YouTube. Although some ISPs allow access to the video-sharing site, and educational institutions have the ability to unblock it for educational purposes, the majority of the country still has it banned.
#1: North Korea
Access to YouTube is blocked in North Korea, where many citizens don't even have access to the Internet. Those who do have access are limited to a government-controlled version. In April 2016, YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter were banned in the country. Accessing these sites could lead to punishment, details of which are unknown.
Why did these countries ban YouTube videos or restrict people from accessing the video-sharing website?
All the countries where YouTube is banned have their own reasons listed above.
This was my list of countries that have banned YouTube or Twitter and the reasons why they have taken such extreme steps against the popular websites.
Having YouTube or Twitter banned in your country means your access to these popular websites is blocked.
However, not all countries have banned or imposed restrictions on YouTube and Twitter.
(This article is part of IndiaDotCom Pvt Ltd’s Consumer Connect Initiative, a paid publication programme. IDPL claims no editorial involvement and assumes no responsibility, liability or claims for any errors or omissions in the content of the article.)
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