YouTube is working on ways to filter out offensive content, but some vloggers have noticed that one of its latest tactics has created a serious feeling of censorship towards the LGBTQ+ community. The platform's "Restricted Mode" has notably been blocking and filtering out content from LBGBTQ+ creators, which is confusing considering that the feature is designed only to "use community flagging, age-restrictions, and other signals to identify and filter out potentially inappropriate content."
Tyler Oakley, who is one of YouTube's biggest stars, recently became aware that one of his newest videos was blocked under Restricted Mode. He took to Twitter to address the situation, writing: "Still not fixed. One of my recent videos '8 Black LGBTQ+ Trailblazers Who Inspire Me' is blocked because of this. I'm perplexed, @YouTube." He also encouraged his followers to "actively check on all LGBTQ+ creators you're subscribed to & continue to support their content."
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Tyler tells Teen Vogue that this filtering could have negative effects on the LGBTQ+ community. "YouTube has always been a place for disenfranchised voices to reach audiences who are actively seeking representation in media," he explains. "It's often the first place many LGBTQ+ youth around the world see themselves and their stories shared and celebrated. Blocking LGBTQ+ creators and content is harmful, plain and simple."
And he is definitely not alone — other YouTubers are expressing concern about their blocked videos as well. Rowan Ellis told Gizmodo that the filtering is troubling because "there is a bias somewhere within that process equating LGBTQ+ with 'not family friendly.'" And creator SeaineLove tweeted that her videos about being transgender were all blocked under Restricted Mode.
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As both Tyler and Rowan pointed out, this feature is not only harmful but also sends the wrong message. There is nothing "inappropriate" or "offensive" about simply being who you are, and YouTube has always been an outlet for that necessary self-expression. Hopefully the platform will recognize these problems sooner than later and take action to rectify the situation.
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