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Pakistani Court's YouTube Ban Sparks Free Speech Debate

7/12/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A Pakistani court's attempt to block 27 YouTube channels for alleged anti-state content was halted by an Islamabad judge, igniting fierce debate. Critics, including journalists and digital rights advocates, warn that this crackdown on online dissent poses a serious threat to free speech, raising alarms about the government's tightening grip on media freedom.

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Story summary

A Pakistani court's attempt to block 27 YouTube channels for alleged anti-state content was halted by an Islamabad judge, igniting fierce debate. Critics, including journalists and digital rights advocates, warn that this crackdown on online dissent poses a serious threat to free speech, raising alarms about the government's tightening grip on media freedom.