By Stevie Smith Sep 4, 2007, 13:33 GMT
A complete ban recently placed on video-sharing Web site YouTube has finally been lifted in Thailand following the application of protective content filters by search engine giant and parent company Google Inc.
The Thai ban, which has been in place for the last five months, hit YouTube after contentious video clips of the country’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej were posted on its pages. The videos, which displayed the King close to the soles of feet (an image labelled as filthy in Thailand), were deemed to be offensive by authorities in a country where insulting the royal family is a serious offence.
However, Sitthichai Pookaiyaudom, Minister of Information and Communications Technology, has this week authorized the lifting of the ban after YouTube moved to apply a filtration system – first agreed upon in May – designed to block any video clips that could be seen as offensive to the 79-year-old King. YouTube also agreed to remove a list of 12 offending video clips submitted by Thai authorities.
Although the lifting of YouTube’s ban will likely be welcomed by Net surfers throughout Thailand, the Google-owned Web site’s actions have also been met with accusations of contributing to the censorship of freedom of expression on the Internet, reports Reuters of India.
Specifically, the Southeast Asian Press Alliance (SEAPA) has claimed that YouTube’s blocking feature and its willingness to cull clips at Thailand’s request is a form of collusion that "could potentially be open for abuse," and increase concerns surrounding online free speech. The SEAPA also suggested that the agreement between YouTube and Thai authorities "could conceivably become a template sought by other governments" looking to block what it deems as ‘sensitive’ content posted online.
There are currently no comments for this article. Be the first to comment! (no registration required)
There are currently no comments for this article. Be the first to comment! (no registration required)