YouTube has come under heavy criticism from its users after many LGBT content creators found that their uploads had become “invisible”.
Google-owned YouTube has found itself in the centre of a Twitterstorm and a heavy online backlash after many LGBT content creators found that their videos were no longer open for the general public to view. Instead, in order to watch the videos users had to log into the service, using a Google account, as a way of verifying age, before content would be played.
Last night the Hashtag #YouTubeIsOverParty trended worldwide as users and audiences blasted the move by the world’s biggest video platform.
Restricted mode is turned off by default, but some users have found restriction has been automatically turned on, effectively making the video impossible to watch unless the viewer is logged on if the content is deemed “potentially inappropriate”.
YouTube apologised for the action saying, but only hours after the hashtag had started trending,
“LGBTQ+ voices … [were] a key part of what YouTube is all about”, it said that only “mature content” was supposed to be restricted.
“The intention of Restricted Mode is to filter out mature content for the tiny subset of users who want a more limited experience. LGBTQ+ videos are available in Restricted Mode, but videos that discuss more sensitive issues may not be.”
One of the platforms best-known Vloggers, Tyler Oakley, who has 8 million subscribers was caught by the block took to Twitter to explain his frustration at YouTuber saying,
still not fixed. one of my recent videos "8 Black LGBTQ+ Trailblazers Who Inspire Me" is blocked because of this. i'm perplexed, @YouTube. https://t.co/MrGBmPum1a
— tyler oakley // schedule pinned (@tyleroakley) March 19, 2017
until we hear back from @youtube, please actively check on all LGBTQ+ creators you're subscribed to & continue to support their content.
— tyler oakley // schedule pinned (@tyleroakley) March 19, 2017
In a full explanation of the YouTube explained that they were looking into the concerns of its users and reiterated that it had a “passion” for making its platform inclusive, diverse and vibrant.
YouTube’s CEO stated that she had ordered a full investigation into the issue and was pushing her team for answers.
I wanted to reemphasize this message to our community. The LGBT community means a lot to YouTube and I'm pushing our teams to investigate. https://t.co/ywyc2sLiHV
— Susan Wojcicki (@SusanWojcicki) March 20, 2017
