Even those outside of the 'liberal-fascist' viewpoint are now beginning to understand that the months-long ban on YouTube is suspect. The question is, who benefits from the YouTube ban in Pakistan? Actually, there is quite a long list of those benefiting from the ongoing blockade of YouTube, including some very powerful players.
The YouTube ban is a classic attempt, albeit in a new arena, by those in power to maintain the status quo by blocking access to information. The public has allowed them to do this because the ban was initially framed in the name of religion. While the world moves ahead to more nuanced political and social systems, it seems Pakistan is still living in a Karl Marx textbook.
Unfortunately for the powers-that-be, this system - as exemplified by this ludicrous ban on YouTube - will not hold. The way forward is democracy, which signals the end of such autocratic shenanigans. The Internet in particular is a largely democratic, if somewhat anarchic system, and all overt blocks and bans will prove futile. If YouTube is banned, people will find a way around it or find new online spaces to operate in. Ban Facebook? Ban Twitter? Ban all sites disseminating information contrary to the agreed upon narrative? Best be prepared for a backlash, because 'democracy is the best revenge'.
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