Google Blocks Hundreds of YouTube Channels

As many as 210 YouTube channels that were posting any information about ongoing Hong Kong protests were disabled by Google.

It is done because those channels were regularly posting videos and information about the protests, which are badly affecting the state.

“We found use of VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) and other methods to disguise the origin of these accounts and other activity commonly associated with coordinated influence operations,” said Shane Huntley, director of Google’s Threat Analysis Group.

This was announced after Facebook and Twitter shut down the accounts which were focused on Hong Kong Protests. However, Google did not identify the users behind those accounts, as per Efe.

On Monday, Twitter said that around 940 accounts were posting information about the protests inside China. 

"Based on our intensive investigations, we have reliable evidence to support that this is a coordinated state-backed operation," said the company.

Twitter also shared some videos and photos which were shared from these accounts.

Apart from twitter, the most widely used network, Facebook was also banned in China. And the other social media accounts which were posting information were also removed

"Although the people behind this activity attempted to conceal their identities, our investigation found links to individuals associated with the Chinese government,” said Nathaniel Gleicher, head of the platform's Cybersecurity Policy.

It is said that Internet played a very big role in increasing the intensity of protests. Protesters used various social media platforms including LIHKG, Telegram and other platforms to share the ideas and information. 

Cause of Protest.

The 2019 Hong Kong protests are a series of demonstrations in Hong Kong against an extradition bill proposed by the government.

Demonstrations began in March and April but intensity increased after June and in August, the city saw one of the biggest strike, which was answered by 350,000 people according to the Confederation of Trade Unions. Over 200 flights were canceled due to the strike. People blocked traffic and 

Goals
1. Complete withdrawal of the proposed extradition bill from the legislative process (as opposed to suspension).
2. Retraction of the characterization of the protests as "riots"
3. Release and exoneration of arrested protesters.
4. Establishment of an independent commission of inquiry into police behavior.
5. Resignation of Carrie Lam.