I’ll quit Google over sickening stab vest video
I was disgusted to learn last week in your paper that Google are once again profiting from offensive online content. In no way, shape or form should they benefit from vile propaganda. The YouTube video showing how to kill someone in a stab vest was shocking.
I note that Google can move fast enough to remove material from YouTube when it is found to be copyrighted, but that the same prompt action is not taken when the material involves proscribed organisations and hateful and illegal content is unacceptable.
I will be using Bing in future.
Lois Jones, Ruthin, North Wales
We live in an age when online information is accessible to everyone, and it’s essential that content creators and social-media users keep this in mind. Regardless of whether Mr Sprave’s videos are for ‘entertainment purposes’, he needs to be aware that his content can be seen by potentially billions of people, most importantly terrorists who can copy what they’ve seen. I applaud you for exposing his irresponsibility.
L. D. Matthews, West Midlands
I was shocked to read how Google have cashed in on a sickening YouTube video. This vile video was online for six months. How many jihadis have watched this?
Google should hang their heads in shame. It’s time our Home Secretary got tough and told Google to stop cashing in on hatred and human misery.
David Courtney, Weston-super-Mare
I disagree with your decision to publish a photograph of a scumbag showing how to stab someone wearing body armour. Surely it could encourage an unstable person to believe they could do it? I understand your criticism of YouTube, but you should not have printed that picture.
Brian Yates, Cleveleys, Lancashire
As a long-time viewer of Jorg Sprave’s videos, I do not recognise the man you tried to portray. Jorg is just a person with an interest in knives, slingshots, guns and toy weapons.
Your article sparked controversy which resulted in YouTube removing the video. But I am sure YouTube had no problem with the video to begin with. I fully understand their decision, but I do not respect it.
Eirik Hansen, Borkenes, Norway
Why would anyone want to make a video of themselves stabbing a vest in the first place? And why would so many want to watch it? The whole thing is plain creepy.
J. McLean, Manchester