YouTube has now demonetized all videos on the platform related to Coronavirus. The video-sharing service did not offer an explanation as to why, although it seems likely an influx of hoax videos has contributed to the decision.
The debate surrounding demonetizing has intensified recently with Google and YouTube taking a harder line on what videos the platform allows creators to earn money from. Last year, this was seen with the cracking down on videos related to conspiracies. Even more recently, a similar enforcement has taken place with videos that could be considered appealing to younger users - although the latter one was something YouTube had to do considering it was part of a wider FTC agreement taking effect.
As noted by Reclaim The Net, the YouTube announcement of the Coronavirus change happened somewhat quietly. The confirmation of the demonetization didn’t get its own announcement, but instead was buried within a general Creators Insider video posted to the platform. In fact, the confirmation didn’t get much more than a one-sentence statement which only explained the change was taking place due to the sensitive nature of the topic. The short confirmation also did not provide any details on how long the demonetization status will remain in effect.
A Perfect Example Of Many Of YouTube’s Main Problems
YouTube has multiple problems it needs to deal with, and Coronavirus is proving to be a prime highlighter for many of the main issues. For example, while YouTube has not explained the reasons behind the demonetization, it is likely because the last few weeks have seen an increase of videos spreading misinformation on the topic. These “hoax” videos have become a problem for YouTube in general, as they appear to be a quick-fix solution for content creators to generate a high number of views in a short space of time. This is an issue the service needs to deal with and especially in cases like this were the costs are as high as they are.
However, the way YouTube has dealt with the issue by blanket demonetization all related videos is a prime example of another of the platform’s main problems. YouTube seems incapable of effectively demoting or demonetizing what it considers “bad” videos on a topic, while rewarding those considered informative. This latter problem is as much of a concern as the hoax videos, as while the clickbait videos are feeding misinformation, YouTube is running the risk of shutting down access to real and important information. This is especially concerning considering the number of people understood to be getting their news from platforms like YouTube is on the rise.
Source: Reclaim The Net