The platform’s new rules see the banning of supremacist content.
In a post on their official blog, YouTube said: “Today, we’re taking another step in our hate speech policy by specifically prohibiting videos alleging that a group is superior in order to justify discrimination, segregation or exclusion based on qualities like age, gender, race, caste, religion, sexual orientation or veteran status.
“This would include, for example, videos that promote or glorify Nazi ideology, which is inherently discriminatory.
“Finally, we will remove content denying that well-documented violent events, like the Holocaust or the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary, took place.
The update also sees YouTube amend its Partner Program policies, suspending channels which “repeatedly brush up against our hate speech policies” from the scheme.
Elsewhere, the platform revealed plans to introduce a system which limits “borderline content and harmful misinformation” to more countries towards the end of the year.
The policy announcement comes hours after YouTube faced criticism for its response to a report of online harassment from an American journalist.
Since I started working at Vox, Steven Crowder has been making video after video "debunking" Strikethrough. Every single video has included repeated, overt attacks on my sexual orientation and ethnicity. Here's a sample: pic.twitter.com/UReCcQ2Elj
— Carlos Maza (@gaywonk) May 31, 2019
In a series of tweets, Vox reporter Carlos Maza details verbal abuse he has received from YouTuber and commentator Stephen Crowder, saying every video has included “repeated, overt attacks on my sexual orientation and ethnicity”.
In a video shared by Maza, Crowder can be seen calling the journalist a “lispy queer”.
Responding to the Twitter thread on Tuesday, YouTube said that while they found language that was “clearly harmful” in the reported videos, the content as posted “don’t violate our policies”.
“As an open platform, it’s crucial for us to allow everyone–from creators to journalists to late-night TV hosts–to express their opinions w/in the scope of our policies.
“Opinions can be deeply offensive, but if they don’t violate our policies, they’ll remain on our site.
“Even if a video remains on our site, it doesn’t mean we endorse/support that viewpoint,” they said.
(3/4) As an open platform, it’s crucial for us to allow everyone–from creators to journalists to late-night TV hosts–to express their opinions w/in the scope of our policies. Opinions can be deeply offensive, but if they don’t violate our policies, they’ll remain on our site.
— TeamYouTube (@TeamYouTube) June 4, 2019
The site also went on to add that they were still evaluating other areas of the channel, later confirming that they had suspended monetisation on Crowder’s channel.
In a follow-up tweet, YouTube said that the creator would have to remove the link to his t-shirts, with one tee for sale displaying the phrase “socialism is for f#gs”.
Commenting on YouTube’s response, musician dodie said: “Like… what do I do with this.
“If homophobia and racism don’t violate your policies… then what? Why am I on your platform?!
“What do I do now?”
like.. what do I do with this
if homophobia and racism don’t violate your policies… then what? Why am I on your platform?!
what do I do now? https://t.co/Uaf9jcOmyu
— dodie (@doddleoddle) June 5, 2019
American vlogger Hank Green replied to the platform’s tweets, saying: “Ooof…well, let’s not have any of the usual ‘YouTube is so pro-LGBTQ!’ celebration until zero people are using your platform to sell ‘Socialism is for Fags’ shirts, ok?
“Hugs to all the queer YouTube employees who are very sad and frustrated today.”
More information about YouTube’s new hate speech policy can be found on their official blog.
Want more?
Find out more about YouTube Originals soon becoming free to watch, or read YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki’s response to feedback from creators.
For updates follow @TenEightyUK on Twitter or Like TenEighty UK on Facebook.
