YouTube has come under fire from users and been accused of discrimination after videos around LGBT subjects appeared to be hidden from view in the service’s Restricted Mode.
Several prominent LGBT creators on the site reported videos posted by themselves and others on topics ranging from inspiration to dating and even music videos disappeared from search results and from their pages when the feature, which is off by default, is switched on.
YouTube's new "restricted mode" blocks showing the 'Born This Way' Music Video when searched 'Born This Way'. ?? pic.twitter.com/6VTXGu0C74
— LVL GAGA (@LVLGAGA) March 19, 2017
The backlash was swift, with #YouTubeIsOverParty soon trending on Twitter on Sunday evening as news of the apparent filtering spread.YouTube was also quick to respond, posting a statement to its Creators Twitter account that said the site was “proud” to represent the LGBT community. “We regret any confusion this has caused and are looking into your concerns,” YouTube said.
A message to our community … pic.twitter.com/oHNiiI7CVs
— YouTube Creators (@YTCreators) March 20, 2017
However for many the damage had already been done, with personalities including popular creator Tyler Oakley noting that some videos that contained no obviously mature content appeared to be part of the filtering.
until we hear back from @youtube, please actively check on all LGBTQ+ creators you're subscribed to & continue to support their content.
— Tyler Oakley (@tyleroakley) March 19, 2017
Hi @YouTube,
An aspiring future Youtuber here.
I am reconsidering doing YouTube or not.
Thanks to the discrimination policy you adopt.— Sammy // BLESSED (@TSGujarat) March 20, 2017
Kids can't see videos about coming out or being trans. YouTube has historically been a resource for struggling kids. Your intent is flawed. https://t.co/yWyLdg28jm
— Jazza John (@JazzaJohn) March 20, 2017
there's no point keeping the youtube app if all the good content is gone, stay gay and support the LGBT community dudes pic.twitter.com/7U09GDT4gH
— rach? (@skylinelynn) March 20, 2017
As a counterpoint, it has been suggested the tech behind the feature could be at fault, with questions raised as to whether the algorithm being used for Restricted Mode perhaps needed tweaking. Switching the feature on also removed several Taylor Swift music videos from view for example – suggesting a wider issue with the filtering set-up. However, YouTube has said the aim of Restricted Mode was to provide a more limited experience – the filter is even referred to as “strict” within the app’s settings. The incident comes at the end of a rough week for the video platform, after it was heavily criticised over its advertising system, which saw government-funded adverts appear alongside extremist content on the site. It led the chair of the Home Affairs Select Committee, Labour MP Yvette Cooper, to accuse the site of “profiting from hatred”. YouTube and parent company Google were quick to say changes would be made and that it “can and must do more”.