Today YouTube has announced it is taking a number of steps to help tackle abuse of the platform and to make it harder for content that violates its policies to surface or remain on the site.
The proposals include:
- Increase the number of people reviewing content to more than 10,000 in 2018
- Utilise its machine-learning technology more widely to help flag content that breaches guidelines
- Greater transparency around actions taken to remove content
- Greater protection for advertisers to ensure their ads run alongside content that reflects their brand’s values
A welcome step
Laura Higgins, Online Safety Operations Manager for SWGfL and the UK Safer Internet Centre said:
“The UK Safer Internet Centre Helpline has worked with YouTube for many years and is part of their Trusted Flagger programme. We are delighted to hear about the improvements being made to the platform, more transparency and feedback for users, an increase in staff to manage reports and faster remedial action when things go wrong are essential in providing a safer environment for users.
“We welcome these steps, and most importantly the clear message from YouTube that it will continue to develop its tools to keep in step with new threats. We look forward to continuing our strong partnership with YouTube and Google, to ensure a safer internet for everyone”.