YouTube will roll out a new penalty system for creators who fall foul of the platform’s content policies later this month as it continues its clampdown on extremist content and other shady practices.
YouTube will now provide a simple warning to creators and remove any offensive material rather than issuing a strike for a first offence. The video-sharing giant said that 94% of creators who have been penalised using the strike system never go on to receive a second strike and get completely banned from the platform.
The success of the initial system has prompted a rethink at YouTube as it believes that a warning should suffice for those who unintentionally violate policy, while strikes will continue to weed out those who flagrantly break the rules on a regular basis. YouTube said that a channel will not receive additional penalties under the new system.
YouTube has grown exponentially during the last decade, but the vast majority of its user base still plays by the rules, as 98% have never breached Community Guidelines. The “new, simpler system” is more clear and consistent, according to YouTube, and will ensure transparency and freedom of expression for all.
The update will go live next week on 25 February and will see a one-week freeze for any channels that have been issued a first strike, a two-week freeze for a second strike, and channel termination for a third and final strike. YouTube said that there will only be a single warning and it will not reset after 90 days.
