Anti-Islam YouTube video that sparked violence is blocked in India, Indonesia
The internet giant, which owns YouTube, had already blocked access to the 14-minute video in Muslim countries such as Pakistan, Egypt and Libya.
The anti-Muslim video, posted to YouTube by an American, has angered the Muslim community as it was insulting Prophet Muhammad. The video called “The Real Life of Muhammad”, and “Muhammad Movie Trailer” is the trailer of the feature film called Innocence of Muslims.
In Benghazi, Libya, it led to the killing of the US ambassador, Christopher Stevens and three other Americans by a violent mob protesting against the film.
In the Tunisian capital, four people were killed and 49 more were injured when the American embassy there came under attack of angry protesters. Meanwhile, hundreds of protesters took to the streets in Pakistan's cities on Saturday as part of the global protests against the film and burned American flags.
According to the New York Times, the White House officials called on Google to review the video but the online giant has refused to remove the video from its YouTube website. Google's decision of not removing it is in compliance with the laws and guidelines that was agreed by the company in 2007.
Google India’s decision to block the access to the film is in compliance with the Indian law.
In addition, the Indian government has also reiterated that it condemned all acts that hurt religious sentiments.
"In connection with recent events we would like to reiterate that India has always strongly condemned all acts that disparage religious beliefs and hurt religious sentiments,” said a spokesperson from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
“MEA is in touch with US officials who share our concerns on the matter. Google India has, in compliance with Indian law, blocked access to the offensive material,” the spokesperson added.
Google has also banned access to the video in Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim nation.
Google has blocked Indonesia’s access to 16 URLs related to the Innocence of Muslims videos on YouTube, the country’s Communications and Information Ministry spokesman told AFP.
In addition, smartphone companies such as Blackberry-maker RIM is also taking measures to block the access to videos on its mobile devices.
But the anti-American protest shows no sign of abating as anger spreads to Europe. On Sunday, 16 September, 300 protesters demonstrated outside the US Embassy in London against the US-made film. The police were present at the area and the protest did not turn violent.
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