Now Reading: Google blocks Dhruv Rathee’s video in India after GAC order
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Google blocks Dhruv Rathee’s video in India after GAC order
Google told the Delhi High Court on Tuesday that it had geo-blocked a YouTube video by social media influencer Dhruv Rathee in India, complying with a directive from the central government's Grievance…
The Story in Brief
Google told the Delhi High Court on Tuesday that it had geo-blocked a YouTube video by social media influencer Dhruv Rathee in India, complying with a directive from the central government's Grievance Appellate Committee (GAC). The video, titled 'Can Hindus Eat BEEF? | Kerala Story 2 EXPOSED', was flagged by petitioner advocate Amita Sachdeva as containing 'false, misleading and provocative statements insulting Lord Ram, Lord Krishna and Goddess Sita'.
The petitioner argued that Google's action was partial compliance, as the video remained accessible globally. The court noted the issue of a global block was pending before a division bench and adjourned the hearing to September 3. The GAC had directed the platform to remove the video within 24 hours of its July 15 order, warning that non-compliance could cost Google its safe harbour protections.
The Indian Opinion
The loudest narratives pit free speech against religious sentiment, but the real story here is about process. A single advocate's complaint triggered an opaque committee to order a platform to block a video without a public hearing or judicial review of the content's claims. Meanwhile, the same video remains up worldwide, exposing the absurdity of internet borders that only discipline domestic audiences. The test is not whether Rathee's video offends, but whether the GAC's power will face scrutiny on consistency and due process.
Sources (2): timesofindia.indiatimes.com, medianama.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 2 sources.
