Google and Anti-Islam Video

The recently viral video, “Innocence of Muslims,” has challenged free speech on the Internet. The video was produced in the United States, but many around the world have viewed it. The controversial and offensive nature of the video’s content has pressured Google and YouTube to remove the video from the Internet. According to Somini Sengupta, author of “On Web, a Fine Line on Free Speech Across the Globe,” Internet companies have the right to censor their contents, but often try to comply with the laws specific to different countries. Google found that the video did not violate laws within the United States, as its contents did not qualify as hate speech. The video’s contents are covered by the First Amendment. While in some countries, including Libya and Egypt, Google has removed the video due to the violation of laws specific to the country; it has not deemed it necessary to deny its access within the States.