What caused YouTube to ban SMNI channels and KOJC Channels from its site? The Mysterious Reasons behind Quiboloy Prohibition
Ben Madilynn
YouTube has recently banned two channels that belong to Pastor Apollo Quiboloy. These are Sonshine Media Network International and Kingdom of Jesus Christ. YouTube is taking this step to protect its users and prevent misinformation. Quiboloy was known for his claims that he is the “appointed son of God,” Has faced controversy in the past and allegations of exploitation. YouTube wants to promote responsible sharing of information by banning these channels.
The decision to ban SMNI and KOJC is important because it limits Quiboloy’s ability disseminate religious teachings or potentially manipulative messages. The decision sends a clear message that YouTube is committed to the integrity and security of its platform. YouTube may be accused of violating freedom of speech but it has made it very clear that it won’t tolerate any content that violates their policies or puts its users in danger. This ban is a reminder to platforms such as YouTube that they have a duty to monitor and regulate content, and ensure that it adheres to ethical guidelines and promotes correct information.
MANILA, Philippines — YouTube banned channels tied to controversial religious leader Apollo Quiboloy due to violations of the video-sharing website’s terms of service.
Reddit users discovered the change on July 7, Friday.
DID YOUTUBE REMOVE SMNI NEWS FROM ITS PLATFORM?
Reddit users noted that the YouTube account of SMNI News owned by controversial pastor Apollo Quiboloy was terminated after allegedly violating terms of service.
???? Reddit’s… pic.twitter.com/rv52RoOKfa
— Philstar.com (@PhilstarNews) July 7, 2023
Quiboloy-led SMNI News, Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) and SMNI program “Laban Kasama ng Bayan” hosted by former anti-insurgency task force spokesperson Loraine Badoy were evicted from Youtube two weeks after the controversial pastor himself was banned due to a violation of community guidelines.
In a letter sent to Philstar.com, Google, YouTube’s parent company, announced it “is committed to compliance with applicable US sanctions laws and enforces related policies under its Terms of Service.”
The controversial pastor faces charges related to sex trafficking and money smuggling in the United States and has been on the most wanted list of the Federal Bureau of Investigation since 2022.
“After review and consistent with these policies, we terminated the ‘Laban Kasama ang Bayan,’ KOJC, & SMNI YouTube channels,” Google confirmed.
The removal of these channels came days after another video-sharing platform, TikTok, banned Quiboloy’s account last July 3.
Before the takedown of these channels, SMNI had 1.71 million, KOJC had 5,220 and “Laban Kasama ang Bayan” According to the archive site Waybackmachine, YouTube had more than 100,000 subscribing users.
SMNI runs a show where the red-tagging against government critics is done and has a partnership agreement with the Philippine Army. —Intern, Fatima Baduria; With reports by Cristina Chi and James Relativo
