Google India has blocked access to anti-Islam film: Government

NEW DELHI: Google India has blocked access to an anti-Islam film that has triggered violence in many countries and led to the killing of the US ambassador in Libya, the government said today.

Strongly condemning all acts that disparage religious beliefs and sentiments, official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs Syed Akbaruddin said India was in touch with US authorities on the issue.

"The Ministry of External Affairs is in touch with US officials who share our concerns on the matter. Google India has, in compliance with Indian law, blocked access to the offensive material," he said.

However, a Google search on the Internet showed that the clips of the film were still available.

Responding to a query, the spokesperson said, "In connection with recent events we would like to reiterate that India has always strongly condemned all acts that disparage religious beliefs and hurt religious sentiments."

The amateur US-made film excerpts of which were posted online sparked widespread anti-US protests across the Muslim world, including countries like Egypt, Libya, Yemen, Tunisia, Sudan and Afghanistan.

In the Libyan city of Benghazi, four Americans, including US Ambassador Christopher Stevens, were killed when a violent mob attacked the American consulate on September 11.

Four people were killed and 49 injured when the American embassy in the Tunisian capital was attacked on Friday by protesters angry over the film.