YouTube is once again at the center of controversy as claims show that the platform’s algorithms allow for unlawful and dangerous behavior against minors. This week, YouTube has spoken up and taken action by introducing new YouTube norms in order to protect the community from predatory characters.
Introducing the new YouTube Norms
The video content platform recently released an updated announcement regarding new safety regulations to be enforced in order to ensure their younger audience’s safety.
In this update, YouTube states three major changes. First, the ability to post comments will be disabled from content that involves minors. Only a small number of channels will be excluded, and those who prefer to activate comments must do so by committing to closely monitor activity posted on their accounts. Second, a new classifier will be put to work that is allegedly twice as effective in detecting and removing inappropriate comments as its predecessor. Last but not least, any channel that is caught engaging in abusive behavior that does not adhere to policies will be shut down and removed immediately. Since the allegations, YouTube has also removed more than 400 accounts as well as millions of videos that have displayed inappropriate content.
In a previous post on the platform’s official community forum, it is additionally stated that videos that are more susceptible to predatory comments will have limited monetization, or none at all.
Where do these changes come from?
These new norms take place after a child pornography ring was brought to light by vlogger Matt Wattson, otherwise known by his username MattsWhatItIs. In a video posted to his channel, Wattson details how pedophiles take advantage of the algorithm in order to find endless amounts of content featuring minors, pointing out the time stamps where these children are innocently caught in compromising and suggestive positions in the comments. To make matters worse, the inappropriate behavior does not stop there. The comment section was additionally used as a medium to share inappropriate links, inadvertently creating a trade network for online child pornography.
This, however, isn’t the only scandal that the platform has recently faced that exposes its youngest and most vulnerable of users to high-risk situations. Although it’s origin and legitimacy is yet to be determined, reports of the emergence of the Momo challenge has caused outrage amongst parents as otherwise seemingly child-appropriate content on YouTubeKids is interrupted by a scary human-like creature that encourages and threatens kids to commit self-harm and suicide.
Desperate times call for desperate measures
Community outrage isn’t the only backlash that the company has faced. Big name brands have been quick to withdraw or pause ad spend such as Disney, Nestle, Epic Games, McDonalds, who do not want their ads to be accompanied by alarming content. This poses many challenges for the YouTuber community since ad revenue helps fuel the income and careers of thousands of content creators.
The decision to disable comments and demonetize content has also received a negative reaction from the content creator communities, arguing that these new YouTube norms aren’t optimal protective strategies and are punishing innocent content creators instead of the actual perpetrators.
YouTubers often rely on comments to build rapport and connect with their audiences, thus increasing and maintaining their following. Similarly, comments serve as indicators for the algorithm to boost visibility, as well as indicators for brands looking to work with channels. A loss of this communication tool could mean a massive hit for users’ engagement rates and revenue sources.
In the announcement YouTube acknowledges that the creators and their content are not at fault, however, these changes are necessary as an immediate solution.
Only time will tell if YouTube will find a more promising and permanent solution that benefits all. What is certain is that tackling this issue is bigger than the YouTube itself. Like in any ecosystem, there will be unsavory characters around us. Some lurk in the darkest of corners, while some lurk in broad daylight and the internet is no exception.
We must remember that it is a communal effort on behalf of parents, content creators, platforms, and audiences to use social media responsibly and to report those who don’t. YouTube has taken a step towards improvement, but we must do much more.
Fuentes
www.socialmediatoday.com
www.variety.com
https://youtube-creators.googleblog.com