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YouTube reverses rules around election misinformation
YouTube has announced that it will no longer disallow misinformation around US presidential election results. This is in contrast to its previous position during the 2020 US election, when the platform was the slowest major platform to disallow misinformation around the election. The change comes as 2024 presidential campaigns are already getting underway. Some previously prohibited false claims around widespread fraud, errors, or glitches now will be allowed.
Background
The company announced these changes in a blog post on Friday, citing that removing content could harm political speech, which could further contribute to eliminating real-world harm. But, there might be an argument that denying the valid results of a presidential election ultimately does more to discourage people from voting than other targeted hypothetical scenarios.
Changes in Misinformation Policies
YouTube emphasized that some kids of false election-related claims would still not be allowed, including lying about the location of polling places and other specific efforts to dissuade people from successfully casting a vote. The platform says that all its election misinformation policies remain in place, disallowing content aimed to mislead voters about the time, place, means, or eligibility requirements for voting, false claims that could discourage voting materially, and content that encourages others to interfere with democratic processes.
Thoughts on the Changes
Allowing users to sow broad mistrust in the democratic process does not appear to fit into YouTube’s definition of real-world harm. Overall, it’s a strange choice to announce that it’s open season for US election denial on the platform, particularly with the 2024 race gearing up. In the coming months, the company plans to offer more updates about its 2024 election strategy, which might help elaborate on the thinking behind its decision to reverse its rules around election denialism.
FAQs
Why has YouTube changed its rules around election misinformation?
YouTube has changed its rules around US presidential election results, allowing some previously prohibited false claims, effective immediately in order to foster political speech.
Are all types of election-related falsehoods now allowed on the platform?
No, YouTube emphasized that some types of false election-related claims would still not be allowed, including lying about the location of polling places and other specific efforts to dissuade people from successfully casting a vote.
Has YouTube also modified its policies around other forms of misinformation?
No, the company plans to continue its strict policies around other forms of misinformation, including those that could materially discourage voting, and content that encourages others to interfere with democratic processes.
Is there a possibility of broader mistrust being sowed about the democratic process?
Allowing users to sow broad mistrust in the democratic process does not appear to fit into the company’s definition of real-world harm.
Are the changes concerning with the 2024 US Presidential election approaching?
It’s a strange decision, but the company plans to provide more updates about the changes and its 2024 election strategy in the next few months.
Are other social media platforms planning similar changes?
It is unclear if other social media platforms are planning similar changes.
What are the potential implications of reversing election misinformation policies?
It might ultimately lead to a broader, structural problem among social media platforms and suggest they are unconcerned with the integrity of the democratic process.
Are there any guidelines in place for users to identify misinformation on YouTube?
Yes, YouTube has policies and guidelines that help users identify misinformation on the platform and take appropriate action against it.
What is YouTube doing to ensure election integrity on its platform?
YouTube is continuing its strict policies around other forms of misinformation, including those that could materially discourage voting, and content that encourages others to interfere with democratic processes. Furthermore, the platform plans to provide more updates about its 2024 election strategy in the next few months.
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