In an interesting move, YouTube seems to have introduced a localised version of its service in Pakistan. As reported by ProPakistani.pk, some people seem to be seeing the following logo on YouTube.
YouTube has been accessible to some users due to technical glitches, thanks in part to the wonderful capabilities of PTA. Also, if you didn’t know this already, there’s absolutely no ban on the YouTube mobile app.
The ban on YouTube is down right stupid.
Yes, we get it. There was blasphemous content on YouTube. But guess what…banning YouTube doesn’t do shit. If anything, the government has done a dis-service to the digital generation (that’s you) of Pakistan.
Restricting access to research and educational content.
Various educational institutions have YouTube channels that individuals can use for both research and educational purposes. Anyone accessing UC Berkeley’s YouTube channel has access to their lectures on various subjects. Sesame Street has a channel with access to their content from a decade ago. Then there’s Khan Academy which aims to provide free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere.
Restricting revenue source for online artists.
You’re all familiar with online sensation ZaidAliT. Had it not been for YouTube, he probably wouldn’t have been able to monetize his artistic skills. And guess what, there are others out there who are equally talented but these artists aren’t able to earn revenue from their online videos because guess what? YouTube is banned. Just as a point of reference, Chilean YoTube comedian Germán Alejandro Garmendia Aranis earns more than $3 million annually from YouTube.
Restricting access to entertainment.
Have you watched television recently in Pakistan? If you have, you’ll know that it’s utterly boring and the same old shit we’ve been watching for ages. One of the ways in which the internet empowers consumers like us is that it gives you the ability to choose what you want to watch.
Restricting access to Islamic content online.
Yes, the same YouTube that was shut down for blasphemous content actually has a significantly more positive content related to Islam. From videos about faith to hijab tutorials to Muslim comedy, YouTube serves as a platform for a variety of content related to Islam (in a positive way). And if anything, this engaging Islamic content also keeps children away from radicalization.
So a question arises: Could this help move the Pakistani government into removing the ban on YouTube? Let’s hope it does.
