Google has removed three YouTube channels associated with Belarusian state media—BELTA, ONT, and STV—reportedly due to concerns regarding international sanctions.

According to the Belarusian state news agency BELTA, Google did not provide an official reason for taking down the accounts.

The Belarusian Ministry of Information strongly criticized the removals, calling them “unfriendly and unjustified.” They argued that these specific media outlets are not currently on any international sanctions lists and warned that Belarus reserves the right to retaliate against the platform.

This incident highlights the ongoing and escalating friction between global tech giants and state-controlled media when it comes to navigating geopolitical tensions, sanctions compliance, and content moderation.