YouTube Softens Its Moderation Standards

YouTube has implemented a new moderation policy which instructs staff to prioritize “freedom of expression” when videos violate platform rules.

As first reported by The New York Times, the new policy enables YouTube to keep controversial content online, including political opinions, offensive speech and misinformation. It allows this content when the platform determines it serves public interest.

The Times reported that content s received this policy during training sessions, which started in mid-December. YouTube now permits half of a video to contain rule-breaking content (previously the limit was one quarter) when the video addresses social, or political matters, including elections, gender, race, and abortion topics.

“Recognizing that the definition of ‘public interest’ is always evolving, we update our guidance for these exceptions to reflect the new types of discussion we see on the platform today,” said YouTube spokesperson Nicole Bell, as reported by The Times. “Our goal remains the same: to protect free expression on YouTube while mitigating egregious harm,” Nicole added.

The Times reports that one example YouTube cited in training was a video titled “RFK Jr. Delivers SLEDGEHAMMER Blows to Gene-Altering JABS,” which falsely claimed Covid vaccines alter genes.

Though the video violated YouTube’s medical misinformation rules, it was allowed to stay up due to its “newsworthiness” and lack of a direct recommendation against vaccines. The Times says that the video has since been removed, and it’s unclear why.

Critics say this move could boost hate speech and misinformation online. “What we’re seeing is a rapid race to the bottom,” said Imran Ahmed, CEO of the Center for Countering Digital Hate, as reported by The Times. “This is not about free speech. It’s about advertising, amplification and ultimately profits,” he added.

While YouTube once focused on removing harmful content to please rs, it now seems more interested in avoiding political backlash and keeping more content, and viewers, on the platform.