YouTube follows potentially dangerous steps from Meta and X (formerly Twitter) by relaxing its content control policy. New internal training materials from The New York Times Instruct the host to keep the host live if up to half of the content violates YouTube’s policies. The platform introduced a new policy in mid-December a month after President Trump was re-elected.
The new guide reflects what YouTube considers to be the “public interest.” These areas include discussion or debate on elections, movements, race, gender, immigration, etc. “Recognizing that the definition of ‘public interest’ is always evolving, our guidance on these exceptions has been updated to reflect the new types of discussion we see on the platform today,” YouTube spokesman Nicole Bell told . The New York Times. “Our goal remains the same: protect free expression on YouTube while mitigating serious harm.”
The platform reportedly had 22% more videos than last year due to hate and abuse of content. It is not clear how many videos reported according to previous guidelines or will be deleted.
YouTube reportedly told the host that if this is a debate between freedom of expression and risk, then the content is now valued. For example, they showed a video called “RFK Jr.” blowing a sledgehammer toward a jab that alters genes,” which incorrectly states that a Covid vaccine can change people’s genes. However, YouTube told the host that the public interest “exceeds the risk of harm” and that the video should continue. Since then, it has been removed, although the reason is unclear.
Other videos allowed online include a slut against trans people, in which a commentator discusses the graphic demise of former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol.
Engadget has contacted YouTube for comment.
