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YouTube removes five military-run Myanmar TV channels from platform

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Reuters

<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2021/afp/02/09/myanmar.jpg"/><figcaption>Protesters hold signs denouncing the military during a demonstration against the coup in Yangon, February 8, 2021. Their signs say it all: Myanmar’s ruling junta is worse than an ex-boyfriend, fouler than fish curry, rejected by millions and more painful than a period.<em> Ye Aung Thu, AFP</em></figcaption></figure></div><p>SINGAPORE - Alphabet Inc&#x27;s YouTube has removed 5 channels of Myanmar&#x27;s military-run television networks hosted on its platform in the wake of the coup in the Southeast Asian country.</p><p>&quot;We have terminated a number of channels and removed several videos from YouTube in accordance with our community guidelines and applicable laws,&quot; a YouTube spokeswoman said in a statement in response to a Reuters question.</p><p>The channels taken down include the state network, MRTV, (Myanmar Radio and Television) as well as the military-owned Myawaddy Media, MWD Variety and MWD Myanmar, YouTube said.</p><ul class="op-related-articles">	<li><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/overseas/03/04/21/nearly-40-people-killed-in-myanmar-as-security-forces-quell-anti-coup-protests-un-envoy">Nearly 40 people killed in Myanmar as security forces quell anti-coup protests: UN envoy</a></li></ul><p>Their removal comes during the bloodiest week so far of anti-coup protests, with 38 people killed on Wednesday, according to the United Nations, as security forces tried to crush rallies and used live rounds in some areas.</p><p>The army seized power on February 1, alleging mass fraud in the November election won by Aung San Suu Kyi&#x27;s government. The election commission said the vote was fair, but the military has used media to make its case and justify the takeover.</p><p>MRTV pages were banned by Facebook in February, while it had previously barred Myawaddy in 2018 when it banned army chief Min Aung Hlaing - now the military ruler - and more than a dozen other senior officers and organizations on the platform.</p><ul class="op-related-articles">	<li><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/overseas/02/10/21/worse-than-my-ex-myanmars-very-online-youth-take-on-the-junta">&#x27;Worse than my ex&#x27;: Myanmar&#x27;s very online youth take on the junta</a></li></ul><p>Facebook has now banned all pages linked to Myanmar’s army - and was itself banned by the junta in February.</p><p>Other social media platforms are also grappling with how to moderate military content and a proliferation of hate speech and misinformation in Myanmar.</p><p>Reuters reported on Thursday that Myanmar soldiers and police were using TikTok to deliver death threats to protesters.</p><ul class="op-related-articles">	<li><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/overseas/03/05/21/i-will-shoot-whoever-i-see-myanmar-soldiers-use-tiktok-to-threaten-protesters">&#x27;I will shoot whoever I see&#x27;: Myanmar soldiers use TikTok to threaten protesters</a></li></ul><p>Researchers have said that after the Facebook ban the military was trying to build its presence on other platforms.</p><p>YouTube had faced criticism from researchers and civil society groups for a comparatively hands-off approach during Myanmar&#x27;s Nov. 8 vote.</p><p>A Reuters review found dozens of channels hosted on YouTube that had promoted election misinformation while posing either as news outlets or political programs.</p><p>Google said in December it had terminated 34 YouTube channels following investigation into coordinated influence operations linked to Myanmar.</p><ul class="op-related-articles">	<li><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/spotlight/02/17/21/digital-warfare-myanmars-cyber-crackdown-explained">Digital warfare: Myanmar&#x27;s cyber crackdown explained</a></li></ul><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO</strong></div><figure class="op-interactive"><iframe allow="autoplay; fullscreen" frameBorder="0" height="100%" id="ivsplayer01" scrolling="no" src="https://player.ivideosmart.com/ivsplayer/v4/dist/html/iframe-src.html?iframeid=ivsplayer01&amp;key=e8c22c015ca9eafa76f1e3edfa03c603&amp;spid=3001339&amp;vid=1633362" width="100%"></iframe></figure><div class="iwantbar">Watch more in <a href="//www.iwantv.com.ph/">iWantv</a> or <a href="//tfc.tv/">TFC.tv</a></div>

<p>Alphabet Inc's YouTube has removed 5 channels of Myanmar's military-run television networks hosted on its platform in the wake of the coup in the Southeast Asian country.</p>

Alphabet Inc's YouTube has removed 5 channels of Myanmar's military-run television networks hosted on its platform in the wake of the coup in the Southeast Asian country.