Understanding the Impact and Implications of YouTube's Content Disabling for Made-for-Kids Content
YouTube has implemented significant changes to its platform policies, particularly targeting content that is made for kids. This policy shift was both a response to a major media and legal scandal, as well as a broader effort to comply with legal frameworks such as the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).
The Media and Legal Scandal of 2019
In 2019, a notable incident involving a YouTuber came to light. This YouTuber, for the sake of privacy, unnamed, discovered a group of users sharing videos of young children in compromising positions. These videos were purposefully placed in playlists, which were then linked in comments sections of videos that could potentially incite interest in such malicious content.
Legislative Actions Against YouTube
On top of the ethical concerns, YouTube faced legal scrutiny from the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the State of New York for violations of the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). In an effort to avoid a costly legal battle, YouTube agreed to settle with the authorities for a $170 million fine. This settlement highlighted the severe consequences of non-compliance with COPPA.
The Onus on Content Creators
Starting January 1st, 2020, YouTube creators were required to declare whether their content was made for kids or not. This designation has significant implications for content creators. Making content for kids is now harder to monetize, as targeted traffic and advertisers are hesitant to support such content due to its potential ethical concerns.
Blanket Policy and Content Restrictions
The YouTube policy is not selective; it applies to all content deemed as made for kids. This blanket policy aims to prevent the dissemination of content that could be seen as sexualized or otherwise compromising, especially towards children. One of the critical aspects of this policy is the restriction on playlists.
The use of playlists can be used to gather information and engage with users. Under COPPA, this type of data collection is not allowed. As a result, made-for-kids content is subject to significant limitations, including a ban on playlists.
The Role of YouTube Kids
Many argue that COPPA's regulations, such as the ban on playlists and comments, are unnecessary and overreaching. For instance, the existence of YouTube Kids is not to cater directly to children but to provide a curated, safe space for them. However, these restrictions force content creators to rethink their strategies and potentially limit audience engagement.
Conclusion
The content disabling policy implemented by YouTube is a complex issue involving ethics, legal compliance, and business strategy. While the policy aims to protect children from inappropriate content, it also has unintended consequences for creators and viewers. Understanding these implications is crucial for any content creator or marketer navigating the evolving landscape of online media.