Censoring messages is nothing new for Windows Live Messenger. It was introduced as a security measure and blocked websites leading to various viruses that were spreading across the network. This was of course a good idea, in the years that notorious viruses plagued users these measures were necessary and the system appeared to have worked.

However, implemention of the system was criticized as it slowed down conversations due to its sloppy programming. Using phrases like '.pif' would end group conservations, paving the way for hijacking multi-conservations your friends were trying to have.

However it was when Microsoft blocked all .info domains being sent over the network that the system came under heavy scrutiny. Then the andyman discovered the list of blocked strings and websites within Messenger, including services that were found clean and virus free. In recent weeks links were blocked to the hit web messenger eBuddy.

Now Fanatic Live have discovered links to YouTube have now been blocked. The reason? We're not sure, but the website has nothing to do with viruses or any other security issues.

With all the talk of net neutrality and criticisms over countries blocking access to the website this is going to portray Microsoft in a bad light. Moreover as YouTube is owned by Google one could question weather Microsoft is trying to create direct competition with their new video service Soapbox. Microsoft have just received a $1.4bn fine for their anti-competitive behavior.

The worrying thing, however, is that this is probably not the end ...