2019 has been the year of social media platforms cracking down on bullying and hateful behavior.
YouTube has been at the forefront of working to putting a stop to harassment and negativity on the platform.
The video-sharing platform announced changes to its anti-harassment policies this past Wednesday, Dec 11. Users will no longer allow videos that “maliciously insult someone” based on “protected attributes” such as race or gender identity. The platform will also ban “implied threats of violence” as part of its new harassment policy.
According to TheNextWeb.com Matt Halprin, YouTube‘s Global Head of Trust and Safety, said the new policy will “…not only prohibit explicit threats, but also veiled or implied threats. This includes content simulating violence toward an individual or language suggesting physical violence may occur.”
“We will no longer allow content that maliciously insults someone based on protected attributes such as their race, gender expression, or sexual orientation. This applies to everyone, from private individuals, to YouTube creators, to public officials,” he said.
You’d think that wouldn’t need to be added, but here we are.
As per reports on TheNextWeb.com, the changes stem in part from YouTube’s pledge earlier this year to crack down on harassment by video creators. The platform was criticized for leaving up videos from Mr. Steven Crowder, who regularly insulted Vox producer Carlos Maza.
Mr. Maza’s video montage of insults from Mr. Crowder over a period of years went viral, prompting a YouTube investigation that concluded they didn’t violate its hate speech policies, as stated on TheNextWeb.com.
Going into 2020, channels that keep up the harassment may see their content removed or, at the very least, restricted. In addition, YouTube may take further action and could terminate channels altogether if creators are not mindful and sensitive when sharing their opinions on the platform.
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