YouTube removes Bolsonaro videos for Covid misinformation

The president defended the use of the unproven drug hydroxychloroquine as a treatment for Covid-19

YouTube says it has removed videos posted by Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, because they spread misinformation about coronavirus.

The tech giant said its decision was not based on ideology or politics, but on its content policies.

Since the start of the pandemic, the president has spoken out against lockdowns, masks and vaccinations.

His office has not commented on YouTube's decision, which affects 15 videos, local media say.

His channel features weekly national addresses, and conversations with ministers about various issues - some of which are live-streamed.

According to news outlet O Globo, one video shows Eduardo Pazuello, Brazil's former health minister, comparing coronavirus with Aids.

"Post-HIV pandemic, HIV continues to exist. There are still some who are contaminated, most are treated, and life goes on," said Mr Pazuello.

In another video of a CNN broadcast, a Brazilian doctor recommended hydroxychloroquine, a malaria drug, and the anti-parasitic drug ivermectin as treatments against Covid-19.

So far their efficacy in treating the virus is unproven.

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YouTube said it does not allow content on its platform that promotes either substance as an effective treatment. It also said its rules forbid videos that say masks do not help to prevent the spread of the virus.

This is not the first time that major digital platforms have taken President Bolsonaro's videos down. Last year Twitter and Facebook removed videos of him railing against social distancing measures, and claiming that high case numbers would make Brazil immune to Covid.

During the pandemic Brazil has grappled with one of the world's largest and deadliest outbreaks of coronavirus, and the president has faced mounting criticism for his handling of the crisis.

In April, Brazil's congress launched an official inquiry into the Bolsonaro government's response to the pandemic.