YouTube has announced a significant change in its fight against disinformation. The video platform will no longer remove content that makes false claims about widespread fraud, errors, or glitches in the 2020 and previous US presidential elections. In a blog post, YouTube stated that this update to its policy has been carefully considered. The change in policy is a part of a comprehensive approach to supporting democratic processes on the platform.
In the past, YouTube removed tens of thousands of videos related to election-related misinformation. However, many people had doubts about the effectiveness of this requirement. Critics argued that YouTube’s recommendation algorithm tends to show videos that question election results. Therefore, while the removal of relevant content from the platform may curb some misinformation, it could also limit political expression.
Even after readjusting its policy, YouTube is firm that all guidelines on disinformation in elections remain in effect. For example, content that aims to mislead users about the time, place, means, or eligibility requirements will continue to be removed. False allegations that could significantly discourage viewers from voting are also still prohibited.
Media organization Free Press has asked YouTube to withdraw its “dangerous decision” immediately, citing the threat of hate and misinformation to democracy in an increasingly polarized political landscape. The US company has been criticized for giving “people like Donald Trump and his vicarious agents a free hand.”
YouTube’s decision is significant, considering that it comes after the 2020 US presidential election, during which disinformation played an important role. In Germany, YouTube has already implemented a “election integrity guideline” for video makers ahead of the 2021 federal election.
Google, YouTube’s parent company, recently announced its plans to improve access to credible and relevant information for democratic voting with a “digital toolbox.” In November, the company presented “Prebunking,” which is “mental armor” against propaganda. Google and YouTube were among the first to sign the code of conduct against disinformation launched by the EU Commission in 2018.
The Digital Services Act (DSA) will place even more responsibility on platforms to fight false claims. The EU Commission will have to examine whether YouTube is breaking the rules with its new policy.
