Kuwait set to block YouTube over offensive videos

VIDEO NASTY: Kuwait is reportedly about to block YouTube over its hosting of offensive videos.

Kuwait has ordered local Internet service providers to block online video-sharing website YouTube over clips that could offend Muslims.

"Since the website displays the Koran in the form of songs sung with the oud (stringed instrument) ... and displays disrespectful pictures of the Prophet Mohammad ... please proceed with immediate effect in blocking the website www.youtube.com," read a copy of a memo obtained by Reuters.

The Ministry of Communications was not immediately available for a comment. The website could still be accessed in Kuwait on Monday.

Islamist and tribal groups managed to increase their grip on parliament in the pro-Western Gulf Arab state's May elections with some deputies demanding Kuwaiti broadcasters show more religious content.

YouTube is a unit of internet search engine Google Inc. (Reuters)

Print | Email | Discuss this article

| Share |

READERS' COMMENTS

Youtube Ban
Posted by zaydoun, Kuwait, Kuwait on Tuesday 23 September 2008 at 15:48 UAE time


Thankfully the Youtube ban will not proceed. It was all a mix-up and a stupid move by an over-zealous ministry employee. The Minister has put a stop to the ban and Youtube will continue to function and flourish in Kuwait

Btw, wasn't it banned in the UAE for a while?

Click here to post a comment

Add your Comment All posts are sent to the administrator for review and are published only after approval. ArabianBusiness.com reserves the right to remove any comment at any time for any reason. Please keep your responses appropriate and on topic. Arabian Business would like to point out that only comments relevant to the story will be published. Any containing personal insults or inappropriate language will not be approved.
Name *
Remember me on this computer
Email *	(Your email address will not be published)
City
Country
Subject *
Comment *
Notify me of further comments
Enter the words above *
Please click post only once - your comment will not be published immediately.

MORE FROM ARABIANBUSINESS.COM