Russia may soon join the growing list of countries blocking or restricting access to YouTube to prevent people from viewing a controversial film that ridicules the Prophet Muhammad.
Communications Minister Nikolai Nikiforov posted on Twitter that Russia might block YouTube entirely at the beginning of November after a new law aimed at protecting children from harmful information comes into force.
Google, which owns YouTube, has barred access to the film in Egypt, India, Indonesia, Libya, and Malaysia.
Bangladesh announced that it has blocked access to YouTube.
Pakistan made a similar announcement on September 17.
Google has refused to place a blanket ban on the video, citing concerns about freedom of speech.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said that many Western countries restrict pro-Nazi propaganda and other forms of speech but allow speech insulting to Muslims.
Communications Minister Nikolai Nikiforov posted on Twitter that Russia might block YouTube entirely at the beginning of November after a new law aimed at protecting children from harmful information comes into force.
Google, which owns YouTube, has barred access to the film in Egypt, India, Indonesia, Libya, and Malaysia.
Bangladesh announced that it has blocked access to YouTube.
Pakistan made a similar announcement on September 17.
Google has refused to place a blanket ban on the video, citing concerns about freedom of speech.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said that many Western countries restrict pro-Nazi propaganda and other forms of speech but allow speech insulting to Muslims.
