Lukashenko commented on possibility of YouTube blocking in Belarus
During a meeting on current issues of the mass media activity, the President of Belarus shared his view on a possibility to block YouTube and foreign social networks
“I see how we are increasingly more often seizing the news coverage on the Internet. The Belarusian leading TV channels, SB, BelTA are seen there. However, it is probably premature to assert that our information dominates there, that we are winning there. True, probably, we do not need to set such tasks to win there. We should be present there with our information. If this information is normal – meeting the needs of the world community, then it will be noticed,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
“Of course, it is theoretically possible to block the leading sites such as YouTube and some social networks – as this has been done in Russia – or to put up a ‘golden shield’ following China’s example at any time," the Head of State noted. “But again, I publicly urge you to weigh the pros and cons before making any step. What result shall we have? Well, we can block them tomorrow. If we are not present there at all, if everything that is being done there is harmful and will produce an even greater harm in the future, then let us make a decision. If it has not come to that yet, then let us wait and not hurry. It is always necessary to be careful. We need to make well-considered decisions and develop our own resources. We know how to do this.”
The President added that it is necessary to develop Belarus’ resources jointly with Russians, “If Russians can help us or we can help them in some way, then this is good – let us act jointly. However, the main thing is not to hurry and not to get stuck in the quagmire that we absolutely do not need. It does not matter which side it comes from.”
Aleksandr Lukashenko also paid attention to personnel issues and human potential development. “While preserving the journalistic teams, it is necessary to find new people – young, creative and, most importantly, patriotic. Continuity should be ensured,” he noted.
