(Headline USA) Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wisc., was suspended Friday from uploading videos to YouTube for one week, after the company said he violated its COVID-19 “medical misinformation policies.”
The Wisconsin Republican’s removal stems from statements he made during a June 3 Milwaukee Press Club event, which were posted to YouTube.
A YouTube spokesperson said: “We removed the video in accordance with our COVID-19 medical misinformation policies, which don’t allow content that encourages people to use Hydroxychloroquine or Ivermectin to treat or prevent the virus.”
The company’s policy says it doesn’t allow content that spreads medical misinformation contradicting local health authorities or the World Health Organization’s information about COVID-19.
The decision comes after recent research showed that taking the drug as a preventative measure actually did have a noticeable health benefit.
A study reported this week showed that hydroxychloroquine and zinc treatments tripled COVID survival rates.
Johnson blasted the website.
“YouTube’s ongoing COVID censorship proves they have accumulated too much unaccountable power,” he said in a statement. “Big Tech and mainstream media believe they are smarter than medical doctors who have devoted their lives to science and use their skills to save lives. They have decided there is only one medical viewpoint allowed and it is the viewpoint dictated by government agencies.”
Video of Johnson’s full speech was still on the Milwaukee Press Club’s YouTube channel as of Friday afternoon.
Corri Hess, Milwaukee Press Club President tweeted: “This on the record event with journalists will remain on the Press Club’s YouTube site.
Adapted with reporting from Associated Press.