YouTube has taken down the main channel run by the late founder of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), Prophet TB Joshua—Emmanuel TV—amid allegations against the late preacher.
Emmanuel TV is used to broadcast the religious activities performed by the church.
Emmanuel TV, a widely recognized channel in the religious broadcasting sphere, has played a central role in disseminating the teachings, sermons, and events organized by the Synagogue Church of All Nations. Its removal from YouTube marks a significant development that has garnered attention both within religious communities and the broader public.
The decision by YouTube to take down Emmanuel TV raises questions about the platform’s content policies and the implications of such actions on the dissemination of religious content. It also underscores the intersection between online platforms, content moderation, and the broader ethical considerations surrounding controversial figures.
The catalyst for this removal appears to be the controversial documentary reports by the BBC, which aired allegations of torture and rape connected to TB Joshua. The late preacher, known for his charismatic approach and a global following, has faced scrutiny in the wake of these serious accusations. The removal of Emmanuel TV from YouTube can be seen as a response to these allegations and part of a broader effort by online platforms to address content that may violate community guidelines or involve legal concerns.
YouTube, as a prominent video-sharing platform, has increasingly faced the challenge of balancing the principles of free speech with the responsibility to regulate content that may be deemed harmful or in violation of platform policies. The removal of Emmanuel TV suggests a commitment to addressing content that may be associated with controversial figures and potentially harmful activities.
It is crucial to note that decisions made by platforms such as YouTube can have significant repercussions for content creators, religious organizations, and their followers. In this case, the removal of Emmanuel TV has implications for the millions who relied on the channel for religious content and teachings.
This is coming on the heels of the controversial documentary reports by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) about the allegations of torture and rape perpetrated by TB Joshua.
However, YouTube said the channel was removed in violation of its policy.
However, YouTube’s actions also bring to the forefront the broader conversation about accountability and ethical considerations in the digital age. The power wielded by online platforms in shaping public discourse and influencing information dissemination raises questions about the role and responsibility of these platforms in moderating content associated with controversial figures.
“The flagged channel was terminated for violating our hate speech policies,” Youtube said.
YouTube has policies against cyberbullying and harassment and specifically forbids harassment against survivors of sexual violence.
Earlier this month, BBC released a documentary where some of his former associates accused TB Joshua of sexually and physically assaulting them while he was alive.