Companies

Mexican President Criticizes YouTube for Removing Video Exposing Journalist's Contact Information

Published February 27, 2024

In a recent flare-up between political leaders and technology companies, the President of Mexico expressed strong disapproval of YouTube's decision to remove a portion of his daily news conference. The conflict arose after the President publicly disclosed a journalist's phone number during the briefing, leading to the video's subsequent takedown by YouTube. This move by YouTube, which is owned by Alphabet Inc. GOOG, has reignited the debate on the balance between free speech and privacy on digital platforms.

Details on the Incident

The incident in question occurred when the Mexican President shared the personal contact information of a journalist during his widely-viewed news briefing. The disclosure was viewed as a breach of the reporter's privacy by YouTube, prompting the platform to remove the section of the video where the number was revealed. Following the removal, the President criticized YouTube for their action, highlighting the ongoing tensions between government officials and social media platforms over content moderation and freedom of expression.

About Alphabet Inc. GOOG

Alphabet Inc., the parent company of YouTube and several other former Google entities, is at the center of this latest controversy. Established on October 2, 2015, Alphabet Inc. has become a sprawling conglomerate operating across various segments of the tech industry. Not only is it recognized as one of the largest technology firms by revenue globally, but it also stands as one of the most influential and valuable companies in the world. Although founded as a restructuring of Google, Alphabet Inc. has evolved to have a breadth of operations, ensuring its persistent presence in the fabric of the global economy and in issues that intersect technology and governance.

Mexico, YouTube, Alphabet