YouTube is in the hot seat lately with many parents and critics pointing out the inadequacy of their content filtering. The problem is that many disturbing videos and content are simply getting through to the YouTube Kids section. What makes it even worse is that these content all take advantage of the automatic sorting algorithm in place. So these get promoted to the front more so than more organic content.
5 Ways Google is Increasing YouTube Kids Protection
The problem is actually more complicated than that. Plus, there are several more issues that needs fixing. Which is why Google has now officially outlined their plan via their Google Blog:
- Tougher application of our Community Guidelines and faster enforcement through technology
- Removing ads from inappropriate videos targeting families
- Blocking inappropriate comments on videos featuring minors
- Providing guidance for creators who make family-friendly content
- Engaging and learning from experts
The first and fifth are critical since that would be doing the bulk of the content filtering. According to Google, they have expanded their enforcement guidelines which may be endangering children over the past weeks. This includes videos where endangering the children is not intentional or deliberate. So this covers “prank” videos and other related content. They are also putting in more age restrictions on videos which might have remotely adult themes, despite having family entertainment characters.
These are going through automatic algorithm filtration. Which is why the fifth part is also equally important. Context is everything, especially when it comes to those with comedic content. It is in these nuances that standard algorithmic filtering and sorting are inadequate and still requires a human touch. Which is why YouTube working with trusted content flaggers is essential. For their part, the company promises that they are doubling their staff of content flaggers.
Moreover, Google and YouTube are also promising more resources to combat inappropriate content. These enforcement changes will take shape over the comic weeks and months ahead. For more details on Google’s plan, read over the original blog post by YouTube VP of Product Management Johana Wright.
