In opposition to what they perceive as political prejudice on Facebook and YouTube, Yemeni activists have started a widespread protest campaign. This comes after YouTube deleted over 100 channels in recent days, and Facebook continued its policy of suppressing Yemeni activists by deleting their accounts under the pretext of policy violations.
Follow-up – Al-Khabar Al-Yemeni:
A worldwide petition was started to get support from activists across the world to put pressure on the two platforms to stop bias and allow Yemeni content opposing the war to reach the world, according to Yemeni activists who tweeted requesting the ban of these platforms in Yemen.
The petition stated: Despite the prevailing notion that Facebook and YouTube are pivotal platforms for increasing global awareness and promoting solidarity on pressing issues, the recent actions taken by these platforms towards content related to the Yemeni humanitarian crisis indicate an intentional contribution to concealing the truth. This is achieved through arbitrary bans and bias in favor of political interests. To rectify this situation and ensure that the unfiltered truth about the Yemen war reaches the international community, urgent measures need to be taken.
YouTube recently removed nearly 100 channels connected to Yemeni activists and media organizations committed to disseminating accurate information about the humanitarian tragedy in Yemen. Comparable concerns have been raised about Facebook’s actions over the years, according to the petition.
According to the petition, the platform’s deliberate actions contribute to isolating Yemen from the rest of the world, which exacerbates the excruciating humanitarian crisis.
Also, Yemen is currently experiencing one of the most severe humanitarian crises in the world, as acknowledged by the UN Secretary-General. International media can’t report on the humanitarian catastrophe and coalition abuses because of the siege that the Saudi-led coalition has purposefully created on Yemen. Facebook and YouTube are considered important platforms for conveying the Yemeni voice to the world.
The petition added: We, the undersigned, not only demand that YouTube and Facebook reassess their actions and cease unjustified bans on Yemeni platforms, but we also call for immediate measures to address any perceived biases that may affect content oversight. It is essential to ensure that content policies are not influenced by political agendas, particularly those that appear to favor the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia due to political spending. The importance of these platforms in conveying Yemen’s plight cannot be overstated.
The petition called on activists, humanitarian workers, and concerned citizens worldwide to stand with Yemen by signing and gathering popular support through this link:
Addressing bias and lifting restrictions on Yemeni platforms: let the truth prevail.
