In an attempt to block coverage of a series of demonstrations and riots in Tibet, the Chinese government has banned access to YouTube and Google News, it has been revealed. Google and its video-sharing site have been targeted in an attempt to stop the spread of video footage and reports, which have been widely publicised across much of the world.
According to CRN magazine, a video entitled Protest in Lhasa is typical of the kind of footage the Chinese government is trying to block.
Google is not alone in being banned in the country. Other media outlets including broadcasts of CNN and BBC World have also been restricted. YouTube has received the most press, however.
Commenting on the issue, CNET News.com states: "The site, which allows individuals to communicate with mass audiences, has become a symbol of free speech to many and governments that forbid it are immediately branded around the world as repressive."
The ban has been reported across the world, with coverage appearing in Russian, Turkish, Irish, US and Canadian newspapers, as well as in other countries.
China is not unaccustomed to such internet blocks. In January, its government tried to impose a rule under which only state-run firms could post videos to the web.
The measure was slackened, however, following criticisms concerning freedom of speech.
Additionally, Google's internet search site was blocked in the country briefly during 2002.
