Google India blocks anti-Islam film, but firewall falls short

The government said on Sunday that Google India has blocked access to an anti-Islam film that has triggered outrage and violence in several countries and led to the killing of the US ambassador and three others in Libya.

''Google India has, in compliance with Indian law, blocked access to the offensive material,'' foreign ministry spokesman Syed Akbaruddin said in a statement. ''India has always strongly condemned all acts that disparage religious beliefs and hurt religious sentiments.''

Akbaruddin further said India was in touch with US authorities on the issue. "The ministry of external affairs is in touch with US officials who share our concerns on the matter.

However, reports say the film is still accessible to even slightly internet-savvy Indians.

The amateur US-made film, excerpts of which were posted online, sparked widespread anti-US protests across the Muslim world, including countries like Egypt, Libya, Yemen, Tunisia, Sudan and Afghanistan. Protesters have vented their fury by targeting symbols of US influence ranging from embassies and schools to fast food chains.

In the Libyan city of Benghazi, four Americans, including US Ambassador Christopher Stevens, were killed when a violent mob attacked the American consulate on 11 September. Four people were killed and 49 injured when the American embassy in the Tunisian capital was attacked on Friday by protesters angry over the film.