YouTube has again attracted controversy by pulling a video. This time it has removed the video of Marine David Motari throwing a puppy off a cliff as shown below in a different link. The company appears unwilling to recognize that some disturbing videos serve an important public interest, as with the torture videos that it removed earlier involving the Egyptian and Russian abuse .
Youtube took off the 17-second Internet video clip “due to terms of use violation.” This is also the reason it removed videos like those showing Russian abuse. Click here
It is not clear why the company seems intent avoiding having any impact beyond jokes and teenager stunts. Youtube can have an enormous impact on public policy and reform by allowing people to see abuse. If no one had filmed Motari’s cruelty, it is doubtful that he would have faced any punishment at all. The power of a video has been demonstrated in countless cases of police abuse. Youtube’s acts of self-censorship will increase demands for an alternative site that shows more social conscience and awareness.
For the video from another link, click here