YouTube blocks account of Chechen state TV station

YouTube has blocked the account of Chechen state television channel Grozny from uploading new content because of alleged violations of the site’s terms of service. According to the TV station, YouTube is acting for political reasons.

“Given that [YouTube] is a subsidiary of the American company Google, it’s anyone’s guess how the ideology of the content on Chechen state television could be a problem for Western countries,” Grozny has said of the incident.

Grozny’s YouTube channel remains accessible as before, but the account is unable to upload new content. 

“Information warfare deployed in the Internet-space aims to promote the interests of the White House. This campaign includes even illegal means,” Grozny TV station argued.

Grozny television’s YouTube account has been active for roughly four years, publishing nearly 5,000 videos in that time. The TV station represents the interests of the Chechen government.