From the Brave Browser AI search,
Does YouTube censor videos?
Based on the provided search results, YouTube censorship is a multifaceted phenomenon. Here are some key findings:
Auto-ban software: YouTube uses automated systems to remove content, including videos mentioning COVID-19, even if they provide accurate information and do not violate community guidelines (Quora, Dec 10, 2021).
Country-specific blocking: Censorship occurs in various countries, including the removal of content critical of governments, religious leaders, or national security-related topics (June 14, 2024).
Restricted Mode: YouTube’s feature intended to filter out inappropriate content for children and schools has mistakenly removed LGBT+ content, including videos from creators like Tegan and Sara and NeonFiona (March 21, 2017).
Contextual understanding issues: The system sometimes misinterprets video content, leading to wrongful blocking (March 21, 2017).
Censorship for monetization: Creators may self-censor to avoid demonetization, which can impact their income (Reddit, October 19, 2023).
Political bias: Independent left-wing outlets have reported serial removal and suppression of their content, allegedly due to overzealous or automated moderation (June 17, 2022).
In conclusion, YouTube censorship is a complex issue, involving both automated and human-driven decisions. While the platform aims to remove harmful or inappropriate content, it also appears to have issues with contextual understanding, political bias, and country-specific restrictions. This can lead to the removal of legitimate content, including videos that do not violate community guidelines.