The Islamic terrorist group ISIS has committed dozens of terrible acts in the Middle East and has slaughtered thousands. On top of that, they've masterfully manipulated media and social networks to distribute their propaganda and the videos of their executions to millions. This has also inspired hackers to take over the social media accounts of news outlets and military accounts in the name of ISIS.
Many media-hosting sites have started placing restrictions on ISIS-related content.
The latest example is YouTube's decision to delete a channel that recorded information on ISIS' actions in the Middle East. The channel, titled "Deir ez-Zor is dying silently," was well known for recording and collecting footage of ISIS' actions in Eastern Syria. For example, the channel once recorded the aftermath of a set of mass executions of the local al-Sheitat tribe, who ISIS have attacked in the past.
"Deir ez-Zor is Slowly Dying" was a key channel for tracking the occurrences in Syria. According to YouTube, the channel was banned/deleted "due to repeated or severe violations of our Community Guidelines and/or claims of copyright infringement." Most suspect that the ban occurred because of the constant violent content on the channel. Daily Dot notes that YouTube has a restriction on "violent or gory content that's primarily intended to be shocking," though "graphic content in a news or documentary context" is acceptable.
It's unclear if this decision will lead to more bans placed on other raw-footage channels like Deir ez-Zor, or if such channels will have to turn to less popular video hosting sites, such as LiveLeak.
The videos are still available on Archive.org
