YouTube Korea squelches uploads, comments

Citing free-speech concerns about an anonymity-blocking law in South Korea, Google has disabled the ability to upload YouTube videos or comment on them in the country.

"We believe that it is important for free expression that people have the right to remain anonymous, if they choose," the company said in a blog post that also tells people that they can get around the restriction by using a different country's version of the site.

A Korean law requires "real-name verification" for Internet services with more than 100,000 different daily users, Google said. Under the law, people must identify themselves with a name and identification number before they can upload video or post comments.

Google shared this translation of its Korean blog post, explaining the situation:

We have a bias in favor of people's right to free expression in everything we do. We are driven by a belief that more information generally means more choice, more freedom, and ultimately more power for the individual. We believe that it is important for free expression that people have the right to remain anonymous, if they choose.

Because of Real Name Verification Law in Korea, we have voluntarily disabled comments and video uploads when using YouTube in Korea with the Korea country setting, so you will not be required to verify your identity.

You will still be able to enjoy watching and sharing videos on YouTube. You may still upload videos and comments without proving your identity by choosing a non-Korean country setting from the top of any YouTube page.

We understand that this may affect your experience on YouTube. Thank you in advance for your understanding. We hope that you continue to enjoy and participate in the YouTube community.

(Via Google Blogoscoped.)

[jpcho83]

How about we start doing a little more responsible reporting and clarify WHICH Korea we are talking about. Granted, I can probably look it up myself but c'mon people...

[mrbofus]

The first sentence says South Korea.

[skillingssucks]

How about getting a clue and realizing that this story would have to be about South Korea. (rolls eyes)

[camp88]

What did you think? West Korea?

[gavron]

> How about we start ...

How about "we" read the article. First sentence says South Korea.

> Granted, I can probably look it up myself

I doubt it. You're a moron.

Now screw off and let's get back to the article. Geez you illiterate trolls sure litter the sides of the highway.

E

[call1]

It says right in the first paragraph, first sentence "South Korea"..

[gggg sssss]

which will make it hard for them to protest against my anti KIA and anti Hyundai cars that steal us workers jobs videos. Ha Ha Ha ROTFLMAO

[JCPayne]

RIP capitalism 2008. The world is clamping down and returning to old familiar ways.

[monkeyfun14]

What the hell are you talking about South Korea was never a capitalistic country..

[gjl229]

"We are driven by a belief that more information generally means more choice, more freedom, and ultimately more power for the individual. We believe that it is important for free expression that people have the right to remain anonymous, if they choose. "

They sound very committed. Until we learn that they themselves are blocking content in Thailand that displeases the government by insulting the king. Anything to keep the customers (advertisers) happy. The rest of us? We're just viewing fodder, keeping their views and ad revenue up.

Long live civil liberties, as long as they don't ding the bottom line.

[Lerianis3]

Excuse me, but they are only blocking that content because it is punishable by a criminal fine unless they do that. Now, if I was faced with a CRIMINAL fine from a country if I didn't block or remove something..... I might remove it too.

[JournalRhythm]

"everything's fine guys, everybody just lie, alright?
change your preferences to a nation that's not yours.
just like you were forced to before in other wars."

YouTube imposes ideas on Korea
at the same time saying "don't post yours, either!"
that's some hypocritical political bull
and after 8 years of Bush I'm full

to hear me rap my full opinion, watch:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCCm_PTpnPM

[call1]

Just goes to show you.. The South still has some of the old North in her. What pi$$es me off is we have a lot of veterans who died, keeping the "South" a democracy.. For what

[starry9999]

Situation in Korea became more and more interesting.
There more articles about clash between google and Korean government .

S. Korea may clash with Google over Internet regulation differences http://english.hani.co.kr/arti/english_edition/e_international/350252.html

[Editorial] KCC?s childish threat to Google http://english.hani.co.kr/arti/english_edition/e_editorial/350258.html

[planettech1]

"We believe that it is important for free expression that people have the right to remain anonymous, if they choose," the company said in a blog post that also tells people that they can get around the restriction by using a different country's version of the site.

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[planettech1]

"We believe that it is important for free expression that people have the right to remain anonymous, if they choose," the company said in a blog post that also tells people that they can get around the restriction by using a different country's version of the site.

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"foreclosures":http://auctions.fastrealestate.net

[planettech1]

"We believe that it is important for free expression that people have the right to remain anonymous, if they choose," the company said in a blog post that also tells people that they can get around the restriction by using a different country's version of the site.

-----------------------------------------

[url=http://auctions.fastrealestate.net]foreclosures[/url]-foreclosures