YouTube blocks Belarusian media: measures to protect information space discussed in House of Representatives
At the House of Representatives, the heads of the republican media and parliamentarians developed a single expert position and discussed a set of responses to unfriendly attacks against Belarusian radio and TV channels.
Belarusian media are increasingly facing unjustified restrictions from Western video hosting. The Ministry of Information regards this as a gross manifestation of censorship on national grounds and information discrimination.
The protection of the digital space and further retaliatory measures were discussed in the House of Representatives by the heads of the republican media together with parliamentarians. A common expert position and consolidation of efforts of all structures are of fundamental importance.
Importantly, YouTube should not turn platform rules into a tool to block access to information from large audiences. Especially without explanation. The question is whether to trust such platforms that use discriminatory approaches in their work.
- 1.Confidence in Belarusian state media grows – data from NASB Institute of Sociology
Nikolai Buzin, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus on Human Rights, National Relations and the Media: Today we hear, communicating with our voter, that we want to receive truthful information. 64% of our citizens trust the national media. At the same time, there is a real attempt to close them at the international level. We have repeatedly said that YouTube blocks our Belarusian content without explanation. And most importantly, this platform does not adhere to the rules it has set itself. Today we are ready to work with the media to realize the right of our citizens to reliable information.”.
- 1.Mininform condemns Latvia’s decision to block Radio Belarus
Western video hosting continues politically motivated account blocking. In September, YouTube blocked the channels Radio Kultura BY and the First National Channel of Belarusian Radio. The Ministry of Information recommends that citizens give preference primarily to national video platforms.
Read also:
- 1.Beetle: Shutting down YouTube in response to blocking means succumbing to provocation
- 2.YouTube blocks three Belarusian radio stations
