YouTube extends anti-Islam film curb to Saudi Arabia

Saudia Arabia had threatened to block YouTube if Google didn’t respond requests of denying access to the film.

WASHINGTON: YouTube on Wednesday extended restrictions on the sacrilegious video which has sparked unrest in the kingdom.

Wednesday's announcement came a day after Saudi Arabia blocked YouTube after Google did not respond to a request to deny access to the video.

YouTube’s parent company Google said in a statement that the "Innocence of Muslims" film would be restricted "in countries where it is considered illegal by local authorities; that is, to date, India, Indonesia, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia."

Last week, YouTube restricted access to the film in Egypt and Libya after these countries witnessed deep unrest.

Governments of Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Sudan have blocked access to YouTube in their countries over the anti-Islam film.

The United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Yemen have ordered blocking access to all websites carrying the video.

The low-budget film "Innocence of Muslims," incited a wave of bloody anti-American violence in cities across the Muslim world which targeted symbols of US influence ranging from embassies and schools to fast food chains.

At least 30 people have died so far in unrest connected to the film in over 20 countries.

US ambassador to Libya Chris Stevens was killed along with three other Americans in an attack on the US consulate in the eastern city of Benghazi.