YouTube says it pulled Bolsonaro videos for COVID-19 misinformation

FILE PHOTO: Flags with the image of Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro are seen displayed for sale during a protest in support of him, amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, in Brasilia, Brazil, June 27, 2021. REUTERS/Ueslei Marcelino/File Photo

RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) - YouTube said on Wednesday it had removed videos from Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro's channel for spreading misinformation about the coronavirus outbreak, becoming the latest tech giant to pull his pandemic pronouncements.

YouTube said in a press release the decision was taken "after careful review" and without consideration for Bolsonaro's job or political ideology. The far-right former army captain, who has overseen the world's second deadliest outbreak, has won widespread criticism for railing against lockdowns, touting unproven miracle cures, sowing vaccine doubts and shunning masks.