The Belarusian Information Ministry used unexpected language in commenting on the problems affecting two YouTube channels run by Belarusian state propaganda outlets. According to the ministry, this amounts to “the grossest manifestation of censorship based on national characteristics and information segregation.” A special statement was published on the Information Ministry’s official channels.
“The latest blocking by the YouTube video-hosting platform of cultural, entertainment and socio-political channels operated by Belarusian media outlets is regarded by the Belarusian Information Ministry as the grossest manifestation of censorship based on national characteristics and information segregation,” the statement said.
Officials strongly recommended that Belarusians use a video platform they had created, which, according to the Information Ministry, does not practice censorship.
“The Information Ministry strongly recommends that citizens of Belarus henceforth give preference to other video platforms, primarily national ones, that do not practice such discriminatory approaches in their work,” the ministry’s press service stressed.
It is worth noting that the Belarusian Information Ministry acts as the country’s main censor. Tens of thousands of internet resources have been designated by officials as “extremist materials” and blocked. Our project, for example, was blocked for users in Belarus back in 2021.
