YouTube, one of the world’s largest entertainment websites, has started censoring videos.
In the past five years, YouTube has served as more than just entertainment. It became a career industry. Popular YouTubers were able to make money on advertisements played before their videos.
However, many YouTubers have noticed that advertisements have been taken off their videos and that their videos have been marked as “inappropriate.” Youtubers later realized this was because their videos did not meet YouTube’s advertisement policy’s standards. This policy prohibits any talk about drugs, war, political content, or any other material that could be considered sensitive, making it nearly impossible for YouTubers to make money off of their videos.
YouTube claims that the advertisement policy is not new, but only recently have they been strictly enforcing it. According to news website Reason, under the policy guidelines, YouTube warns that posted videos which do not meet standards will not qualify for monetization, meaning that the YouTuber will not be able to make money from ads.
YouTuber Philip DeFranco said in his latest video that he is worried that his channel will be taken down or ineligible for advertisements because his videos focus on various world issues.
“If [YouTubers make videos] on the regular without advertising, it’s not sustainable to make a living,” said DeFranco.
Many YouTubers are confused about why videos are now being screened before receiving advertisements.
When DeFranco contacted YouTube for clarification, a YouTube spokesperson responded, “While our policies of demonetizing videos due to advertiser-friendly concerns hasn’t changed, we’ve recently improved the notification and the appeal process to ensure better communication.”
Although some feel that it is fair for the advertising policy to have such terms, others are angry because their videos are primarily based on stating their personal opinion.
“I feel it is a bad idea and that YouTube is trying to censor what people say. I think this relates to current controversial issues, not just YouTube; advertisement sponsors and companies don’t want multiple opinions discussed in such a public place, especially when it may affect the sales of their products. All of these terms are just another way to for Youtube to make money,” said junior Tyler Krauss.
Many argue that by limiting what YouTubers are able to say, Youtube is censoring the voice of the people and taking away their freedom of speech. As of now, if Youtubers want to make a living off of their videos, they must follow these guidelines.
