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Pakistan threatens to ban Google over ‘blasphemous’ YouTube content

Published Jun 11th, 2013 5:35PM EDT
Google YouTube Pakistan Ban Threat

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Millions of Internet users in Pakistan could soon lose access to Gmail to Google Maps unless Google bows to demands being made by the Pakistani government. The Times of India reports that Anusha Rahman Khan, Pakistan’s IT and telecommunication minister, said the government may block access to all Google sites unless the company removes “blasphemous and objectionable material” from YouTube. Pakistan has already been blocking access to YouTube since September, when the inflammatory video “Innocence of Muslims” sparked violent protests in several countries. The Pakistani government has so far been frustrated that Google has refused to provide filters for videos it deems offensive, although the new threat of a blanket ban may prompt the company to be more accommodating.

Brad Reed
Brad Reed Staff Writer

Brad Reed has written about technology for over eight years at BGR.com and Network World. Prior to that, he wrote freelance stories for political publications such as AlterNet and the American Prospect. He has a Master's Degree in Business and Economics Journalism from Boston University.