WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. – Big tech’s policing of topics related to COVID-19 and vaccinations is coming between local governments and their constituents.

First, the Whatcom County Council ran afoul of YouTube’s rules when it posted video of a meeting in June that included public comments that the Google-owned site considered “medical misinformation.”

YouTube took down the video and Councilmember Rud Browne posts that they appealed.

YouTube denied the appeal and told the county that none of its agencies would be allowed to post video if a similar infraction happened again.

The Bellingham City Council had a similar experience with video of it’s July 12th meeting.

Council President Hannah Stone posts that they’ve taken the temporary step of not including a public comment period during the July 26th meeting.

She says they’re exploring ways to continue on-demand viewing of entire meeting videos.

Public comments are still welcomed by the council.

Submit them by mail to: 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, WA 98225, by phone at (360)778-8200 or online at Engage Bellingham.