The Thai government has lifted a five-month ban on public access to YouTube in the country after the popular U.S-based website developed a solution to block sensitive contents, local media reported Friday.
Thailand's Minister for Information and Communication Technology( ICT) Sittichai Pookaiyaudom said the ban was lifted Thursday after a combined technological and legal solution was reached, with YouTube developing a modified filter technology which allows it to screen materials available in Thai cyberspace, according to the Thai News Agency.
The Google-owned YouTube website, which allows individuals around the globe to freely put on and share video clips, was unaccessible for Thai Internet surfers since April 3, when Th ICT ministry moved to block the website as it carried video-clips which Thai authorities deemed as offensive to the Thai monarch and people.
The ban came after a U.S.-based netizen with the pseudonym Paddidda placed a sequence of video clips mocking the King of Thailand Bhumibol Adulyadej, and the Thai government failed to persuade YouTube and its parent company Google to immediately remove the controversial clips.
The act happened amid intense political atmosphere in Thailand, months after a military coup was launched in the country to oust the Thaksin Shinawatra government.
The King is highly esteemed in the kingdom and lese-majesty is a felony. "Paddidda," who claimed herself as a Thaksin fan, in May put on an apology through YouTube, citing political motivation for her move.
Sittichai said that Thailand-based internet users are now able to visit www.youtube.com, but sensitive videos will not be accessible to Thai internet service providers.
Source: Xinhua
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