YouTube will remove thousands of videos that contain extreme views

YouTube announced plans today to remove thousands of videos and channels that advocate neo-Nazism, white supremacy, and other extreme views.

According to YouTube, it’s taking a three-prong approach to the matter. First, the site will ban supremacists and other extremists that advocate segregation or exclusion based on age, gender, race, caste, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status. YouTube will also remove video denials of “well-documented violent events,” such as the Sandy Hook shooting and 9/11.

Second, YouTube will expand efforts to reduce the spread of “borderline content and harmful misinformation” that includes videos on fake cures and the flat-earth claim. Instead, it’ll recommend videos from more authoritative sources, such as top news channels.

Third, YouTube will restrict video monetization if videos are found to “repeatedly brush up against [YouTube’s] hate speech policies.” Channels found in violation of the policies will not be able to run ads or use Super Chat.

This last point is particularly timely, seeing how Vox journalist Carlos Maza this week publicly complained of harassment from conservative commentator Steven Crowder. According to Maza, Crowder used slurs about his ethnicity and sexual orientation. YouTube determined that Crowder didn’t break its policies and, as a result, will not take action against his channel.

The policy changes will go into effect today, with enforcement expected to “ramp up” over the next few days.

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