YouTube plans to censor more videos based on their definition of truth - The UpStream

YouTube plans to censor more videos based on their definition of truth

posted Saturday Jan 26, 2019 by Scott Ertz

YouTube plans to censor more videos based on their definition of truth

Internet censorship is all the rage right now, and all coming from the companies who fought in favor of net neutrality. Apparently, censorship is not okay, unless you're the one doing it. Two of the biggest offenders of internet censorship have been Facebook and YouTube, who are the two platforms we need more than anyone to not restrict speech. Both of these platforms have long been places where information can get out, whether the information is popular or not. In an age when the official sources of information twist and distort, the people need sources of alternate sides of a story.

This week, YouTube has announced a new plan to cut down on people hearing alternate versions of a story. The company refers to these alternate versions as conspiracy theories and will demote any video that they consider to be conspiratory. Any of these videos will no longer show up as recommended videos, including as recommended videos on other videos and on the homepage. According to YouTube,

We think this change strikes a balance between maintaining a platform for free speech and living up to our responsibility to users.

Unfortunately, that is not how this actually goes. Today, their plans are to demote content around "phony miracle cure for a serious illness, claiming the earth is flat, or making blatantly false claims about historic events like 9/11," but that is not where this ends. Because there is no written standard on what is being demoted, it could easily be adjusted to prevent the easy access to information about recent events. For example, because of the blatant lies told by news networks like CNN and NBC, it was only because of Facebook and YouTube that the truth about the teenagers in DC came to light. But, because it conflicts with the "official story" told by these networks, YouTube could easily demote this content, making sure that people continue to believe their false narrative.

This is a dangerous precedent being set by YouTube, and one that users of the service should be vocally against. The idea that YouTbe will be deciding what is truth and what is not is bad for everyone. False conspiracy theories, like a flat earth, easily prove themselves to critical thinkers as comedy, but these alternate views on information are important for a well-informed and capable people. Being able to hear both sides and make an informed decision is essential.

Thank you, YouTube, for the dumbing down of America and for encouraging the loss of critical thinking and decision making.

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