(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders deplores the blocking of
video-sharing website YouTube (http://www.youtube.com) in China since 23
March 2009 because of content critical of the ruling Communist Party. The
foreign ministry's spokesman said the same day: "Many people have the false
impression that the Chinese government fears the Internet. In fact, it is
just the opposite."

"If the Chinese government is not afraid of the Internet's influence, why
block all the websites that carry criticism of the Communist Party and why
create a national filter designed to 'clean up' the Internet?" Reporters
Without Borders asked. "China's leaders are extremely intolerant of
Internet content and its creators."

The press freedom organisation added: "We firmly condemn this blocking,
which not only prevents the world's biggest group of Internet users from
accessing certain online content but also constitutes a very negative
message regarding online free expression in China."

Google-owned YouTube's website is inaccessible in most of China's
provinces, Internet users say. When anyone tries to connect, the following
message appears: "This page is not available. The Internet page
corresponding to the address http://www.youtube.com is not accessible. The
site may have changed its address."

Google spokesman Scott Rubin told Reporters Without Borders: "We are
looking into this and working to restore access to YouTube as soon as
possible. I can't confirm the reason for the block, but I do know that the
Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a press conference today in which
it confirmed that the government is responsible for the block."

To read the full alert, see:
http://www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=30667

For further information on the Chinese government's blocking of other
Internet sites, see: http://www.ifex.org/en/content/view/full/99372