Categories: Tech & Society

Google’s President of Brazil Operations Arrested for Failing to Remove YouTube Videos

Google’s President of Brazil Operations Fabio Coelho was arrested today in São Paulo, the Brazilian website G1 reports, quoting a press release from the country’s Federal Police.

While this is a shocking piece of news, this isn’t exactly a surprise. As reported yesterday by TheNextWeb, a local judge from Mato Grosso do Sul had ordered the arrest after Google allegedly failed to remove YouTube videos attacking a mayoral candidate. Brazilians are going to the polls next October to choose mayors, deputy mayors and city councillors.

According to the Police, Coelho won’t remain under arrest, and will be released once he signs a document in which he commits to obey a subpoena. It’s worth noting that the same judge also ordered a 24-hour YouTube suspension in his State. Brazilian company Embratel informed that it would abide by the decision, although the block’s date and modalities remain to be confirmed.

Lawsuits have been a recurring problem for Google in Brazil, as judges repeatedly try to hold it responsible for content posted on its platforms, such as YouTube and social network Orkut.

TNW’s managing editor Brad McCarty noted, “Brazil has led the charge when it comes to removal requests for content provided by Google. The company had previously reported that it had a total of 669 removal requests from Brazil,” he explained.

No later than yesterday, a São Paulo judge summoned Google to remove controversial trailer “The Innocence of Muslims” from YouTube in Brazil.

We have reached out to Google and will update this post with any comment we receive from the company.

Via: The Next Web

Team TechPanda

Recent Posts

Geek Appeal: New gadgets & apps on the block

The Tech Panda takes a look at recently launched gadgets & apps in the market.…

12 hours ago

Funding alert: Tech startups that raked in moolah this month

The Tech Panda takes a look at recent funding events in the tech ecosystem, seeking…

14 hours ago

AI Launches: Fintech, SaaS, customer service, EdTech, hospitality, cleantech, consulting, graphics & skilling

The Tech Panda takes a look at recent launches in the superfast field of Artificial…

2 days ago

India’s Nari Shakti moment: Women’s workforce participation doubles as industry backs return-to-work initiatives

India is witnessing a historic surge in women’s participation in the workforce. According to Ministry…

2 days ago

Once more with feeling: An ambitious bid to build a digital Disneyland for fans

This entrepreneur, who entered the startup ecosystem when he was only thirteen years old, wants…

1 week ago