YouTube has suspended a pro-Iran channel known for posting Lego-style AI videos mocking U.S. President Donald Trump, citing violations of its policies on spam, deceptive practices, and scams. The move comes amid the ongoing U.S.-Iran war, where digital propaganda has become a powerful tool of influence.

The Google-owned platform confirmed on April 15 that it terminated the channel operated by Explosive Media, a group widely suspected of ties to the Iranian government despite claiming independence. The channel had gained notoriety for producing viral Lego-themed clips ridiculing Trump, amassing millions of views during the conflict. 

“We terminated the channel for violating our spam, deceptive practices and scams policies,” a YouTube spokesperson told AFP, without elaborating further.

Explosive Media’s content had become a fixture in online discussions about the war, with experts noting that Lego-style memes were emerging as an effective form of information warfare. Analysts argue that the videos, while humorous in tone, carried strong political messaging aimed at undermining U.S. leadership and boosting pro-Iran sentiment.

Despite the suspension, reports indicate that the group’s videos continue to circulate widely across YouTube through reuploads by other content creators, limiting the impact of the ban. The Straits Times noted that the suspension “appeared to have limited impact on Explosive Media’s reach, with its videos still being widely shared”.

The decision has sparked online criticism, with some accusing YouTube of censorship while others praised the platform for curbing propaganda. Firstpost reported that the termination highlights the growing challenge for tech companies in balancing free expression with the need to prevent coordinated disinformation campaigns.

The incident underscores how social media platforms are increasingly at the center of geopolitical conflicts, with digital content shaping public perception as much as traditional news. For YouTube, the suspension reflects its broader effort to enforce community guidelines amid heightened scrutiny over the role of online platforms in wartime propaganda.

As the U.S.-Iran war intensifies, experts warn that similar content may continue to proliferate across multiple platforms, raising questions about the effectiveness of bans and the resilience of digital propaganda networks.