Pro-Palestine backlash forces Google, YouTube to reverse content restrictions

2026-02-16 - 10:25

Two major digital platforms have reversed content restrictions amid mounting backlash from pro-Palestine online communities, highlighting growing user influence over tech company policies. The developments underscore tensions surrounding alleged censorship of Palestine-related content on mainstream social media. UpScrolled Returns to Google Play UpScrolled, a TikTok alternative developed by Palestinian-Australian software engineer Issam Hijazi, was reinstated on Google Play Store after a brief suspension triggered widespread protest. The platform announced the issue was resolved through "close cooperation" with Google. Launched in June 2025, UpScrolled gained prominence amid allegations that mainstream platforms subject pro-Palestine content to "shadow banning." The app's user base surged from 150,000 to millions within one week. YouTube Reinstates Activist Channel YouTube also reversed course, restoring the account of US activist Guy Christensen, known for anti-Israel and pro-Palestine content. Christensen announced on X that both his channel and revenue were reinstated, attributing the decision to "the power of collective action and solidarity." The move follows significant social media pressure. Growing User Influence Both incidents demonstrate the increasing leverage of pro-Palestine digital communities in challenging platform policies. The reversals have reignited debate over content moderation practices and the role of user activism in shaping tech company decisions.