Google closes YouTube accounts linked to Iranian government

Facebook took similar actions against apparent Iranian misinformation.
ISTANBUL, TURKEY - MARCH 23: The YouTube and Netflix app logos are seen on a television screen on March 23, 2018 in Istanbul, Turkey. The Government of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan passed a new law on March 22 extending the reach of the country's radio and TV censor to the internet. The new law will allow RTUK, the states media watchdog, to monitor online broadcasts and block content of social media sites and streaming services including Netflix and YouTube. Turkey already bans many websites inc
The YouTube and Netflix app logos are seen on a television screen on March 23, 2018, in Istanbul, Turkey. - Chris McGrath/Getty Images
Al Monitor: The Pulse of the Middle East
Al-Monitor Staff

Google took action against Iranian government accounts for coordinated activity, the tech giant announced Wednesday. The move follows similar actions by Facebook and coincides with Twitter rolling out labels for select government accounts on its platform.

Google announced it terminated 16 YouTube accounts in April that were allegedly linked to the Iranian state-sponsored International Union of Virtual Media network. The announcement was part of Google's report for the second quarter of 2020 that was released this week.

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