Google took a bold step in supporting free speech by refusing to remove that controversial Mohammad clip that has created mass protest across the Middle East and Africa. The video which resulted in the death of four Americans in Libya portrays the Prophet Mohammad in a negative light, a blasphemous and illegal act in Muslim countries.

Google, however, has blocked access to the clip in countries where it is illegal, such as India and Indonesia, and in Libya and Egypt, given the sensitive state that is currently present. Google has issued a statement on the matter, saying that it is consistent with the principles they had in 2007:

"We've restricted access to it in countries where it is illegal such as India and Indonesia, as well as in Libya and Egypt, given the very sensitive situations in these two countries. This approach is entirely consistent with principles we first laid out in 2007."

Iran has blocked access to YouTube over this latest controversy. What's interesting to note is that the video had been around for some time. It didn't go viral like this until a blogger posted about it and it got picked up by a mainstream TV network.