Indonesia blocks YouTube

Indonesia is the latest country to block access to YouTube in a bid to prevent surfers from accessing an anti-Islamic film made by a controversial Dutch film-maker.

As well as blocking YouTube, authorities in the predominantly Muslim country have blocked access to MySpace and at least three other video-sharing websites.

The country’s ISPs said they had acted on a government request to block websites showing the film which has sparked protests.

The move comes after the communications minister wrote to YouTube, which is owned by Google, asking them to remove Fitna, a 17-minute film made by far-right Dutch lawmaker Geert Wilders.

One internet provider apologised on its website for blocking sites and blogs which carry the film, but said they were acting on the government's request.

The film features imagery of the 11 September, 2001 attacks on New York and the 2004 Madrid bombings combined with quotes from the Koran, Islam's holy book.

The Indonesian government called on internet firms to censor the film as it could "disturb religious and civil harmony at a global level".

Protests have been held outside the Dutch embassy in Jakarta, but most have passed off peacefully.

The movie has been restricted to persons aged 18 or over on YouTube, but can be accessed via the film-maker's website.

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