Google Shuts Down 449 Korean YouTube Channels Over Coordinated Influence Operations

Google has taken down 449 Korean-language YouTube channels as part of its investigation into coordinated influence operations in Q2 2026.

The channels were shut down between April and June, with 81.7% of them being closed in May, just before the local elections on June 3.

According to Google's Influence Operations Report, the channels included those that criticized or supported the South Korean government, as well as those criticizing specific political parties.

The report states that these channels were shut down due to 'coordinated influence operations,' but did not disclose specific criteria for its judgments or details about the countries behind them.