Earlier this week, YouTube was reportedly accused of deleting cryptocurrency education videos through its video-sharing platform. Although the allegations appear to be accurate, Coindesk reported that YouTube called the video purge a mistake. Following the deletion of apparently millions of videos, YouTube notably restored some of the videos A YouTube spokesperson revealed:
“With the massive volume of videos on our site, sometimes we make the wrong call. When it’s brought to our attention that a video has been removed mistakenly, we act quickly to reinstate it. We also offer uploaders the ability to appeal removals and we will re-review the content.”
The media outlet also noted that the spokesperson confirmed YouTube has not changed any policies in regards to videos about cryptocurrency. Forbes reported that at least 35 digital currency channels were affected by the YouTube cryptocurrency video purge, which includes ChrisDunnTV, Nugget News, Crypto Tips, and BTC Sessions.
Some of the channels’ owners, including YouTuber Chris Dunn, of ChrisDunnTV, shared their thoughts about the situation. Dunn reportedly shared:
“YouTube just removed most of my crypto videos citing ‘harmful or dangerous content’ and ‘sale of regulated goods.'”
Dunn also pointed out that YouTube’s “demonetization” of violent political videos, the footage of the Hong Kong protests for example, and its recent terms of service update, which revealed a throwaway account termination clause with potential ramifications. This also includes YouTube stating it may terminate the video creator’s access, or their Google account’s access to all or part of the Service if the platform believes, in its sole discretion, that provision of the Service to them is no longer commercially viable.