Behalf “ the ability to debate freely ”, YouTube is backing down and will no longer remove false information about the last US presidential election.
In December 2020, YouTube had implemented regulations allowing the removal of content spreading false information about the 2020 presidential election, where Joe Biden won against Donald Trump. But Google’s video platform has just backpedaled, since it puts an end with immediate effect to the withdrawal of fake news related to this election.
YouTube does not want to hinder the debate, even based on false information
” We will stop removing content with unsubstantiated claims of widespread fraud, errors, or issues during the 2020 presidential election. “says YouTube. The announcement comes two-and-a-half years after it put in place a measure to tackle false information theft of the presidential election from Donald Trump by Joe Biden.
The American platform tried to justify its decision. On the one hand, she believes that the removal of contentious content curbs misinformation. But on the other, it considers that it can hinder political discourse, without reducing the risk of violence in the real world.
For YouTube, the ability to debate, even controversial ideas or ideas based on faulty assumptions, is ” essential to the functioning of a democratic society, especially in the middle of an election season “.
A step back that worries activists and NGOs
This change in the content moderation policy is already applied by YouTube. In any case, it comes at a time when the big technology companies are being singled out for not making enough effort in this exercise. Hate, harassment and calls for violence are still prominent on these platforms.
Even if, once again, the measure only concerns the 2020 American presidential election, many activists and NGOs (Media Matters, Free Press) warn of what they consider to be a blank check offered to Donald Trump and supporters. misinformation. They could still call into question this election and thus play indirectly on the next one, which will take place next year in the United States.
YouTube, on the other hand, has not backtracked on the other elements of its content moderation policy advocating misinformation. A video misleading voters or calling for the disruption of a democratic process will always be removed from the video service.
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YouTube is a video streaming platform on which any Internet user can upload their videos, view those of other users, create their own thematic channel and develop their audience. A true web 2.0 icon, YouTube has evolved over the years and therefore retains its well-established popularity.
YouTube is a video streaming platform on which any Internet user can upload their videos, view those of other users, create their own thematic channel and develop their audience. A true web 2.0 icon, YouTube has evolved over the years and therefore retains its well-established popularity.
Source : Reuters
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