YouTube fights disinformation, removing 10 million videos quarterly

The problem of misinformation is perceived by more and more Internet users, but large online platforms are most troubling. Giants such as Facebook and Twitter are actively fighting against misinformation, and today YouTube’s Chief Product Officer, Neal Mahon, also shared his strategy.

In a blog post, Mahon shared more information about how he and his team are solving the problem of misinformation on YouTube. The platform currently uses the rapid removal of disinformation videos as the main weapon. YouTube removes up to ten million videos a quarter, most of which reach less than ten views.

He also manages to react quickly to serious situations in the world. Since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic in February 2020, he has removed more than a million malicious videos, and he has not been merciful with videos that spread false information about the US presidential election.

Quickly removing malicious videos is not enough

However, Mahon said that this approach is not only not enough, but can also be problematic. Unambiguous facts are needed to accurately identify harmful misinformation. In the case of a coronavirus pandemic, there are organizations like the CDC or the WHO that let us know what the facts are and what they are not. As for other cases of misinformation, such as conspiracy theories, it is no longer so clear-cut.

In addition, too aggressive content removal can limit the restriction of free speech. In some countries, content is already being restricted for political reasons. But Mahon is convinced of the benefits of open discussion and wants to give platform users the opportunity to express themselves freely.

YouTube plans to prioritize quality content in the future

Therefore, in addition to quick removal in the future, the platform will also focus on prioritizing quality content from reputable channels instead of sensational content, the core of which is based on misinformation.

At the end of the article, Mahon also commented on the popular claim that YouTube prefers sensational content because of the greater financial reward. However, in the long run, he said, this is not a good strategy, as such an approach discourages users and advertisers from using the platform.