YouTube shuts down North Korea propaganda account
Streaming site gives no details on reasons for the closure or how long it will last
By Park Si-soo
YouTube has cut access to a North Korean propaganda channel as the United States seeks to impose the“toughest” sanctions on Pyongyang following its sixth nuclear test.
The shutdown of “Uriminzokkiri,” a YouTube channel that has regularly posted video clips boasting of the North’s nuclear and missile programmes and others praising leader Kim Jong-un, was confirmed Saturday.
“This account has been terminated for violating YouTube’s community guidelines,” said the world’s largest video-sharing website.
YouTube gave no details of reasons for the closure or how long it will continue. Reports claim that advertising revenue from the channel could violate U.S. trade sanctions.
Uriminzokkiri’s social media accounts remained active as of Saturday.
It is not the first time YouTube has targeted North Korean propaganda. In November 2016, YouTube closed down state-owned Korean Central TV1.
Several other channels — including Chosun TV, NK Propaganda and KCTV Stream — were also cut off, according to NK News.
