Video hosting service YouTube deleted the channels of three Belarusian state media outlets—the BelTA agency, and the ONT and STV TV channels—on April 3. This was reported by the Ministry of Information of Belarus. The BelTA agency cited sanctions as the reason for the removal, but emphasized that it is not subject to any sanctions restrictions itself. The Ministry of Information described the incident as an unfriendly step and declared the right to retaliate. The Belarusian Union of Journalists (BSJ) demanded symmetrical and asymmetrical actions against the platform. The audience of the deleted channels is being redirected to alternative platforms—the ministry warned of the possible appearance of clones with the same names.
What happened to the channels and why BelTA considers the removal unfounded
YouTube deleted all three channels on the same day without prior notice and without explanation from Google.
BelTA specifically pointed out the contradiction: the agency is not included in any sanctions list, but its channel was removed on par with ONT and STV.
If you come across a channel with the same name, be aware that it is a clone. Be vigilant and do not trust fake accounts
How the Belarusian Union of Journalists reacted
The chairman of the board of the BSJ, Andrei Krivosheev, called the removal of the channels an "act of information vandalism" and demanded parliamentary and ministerial intervention. The Union announced its intention to involve partner media platforms within the SCO, BRICS+, and BRJN—the international media platform "One Belt, One Road."
We have proactively built alternative channels for promoting our truth through the resources of allies in the SCO, BRICS+, BRJN… the global majority
