Google Agrees to Remove Thai Videos

On the same day Google rejected an anti-censorship petition from shareholders that could have prevented the company from operating in China, the search giant's YouTube property agreed to take down video clips deemed offensive to Thailand's king Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Adulyadej is revered as near-divine in Thailand and criticizing or offending royalty is punishable by up to 15 years in prison. The country blocked access to YouTube in April following the posting of two video clips mocking the king, and threatened to sue the company for making them available. Google now says it will remove 12 clips, and Thailand has agreed to not to file suit.