YouTube bans all anti-vaccine content

YouTube announced Thursday that it is banning all anti-vaccine content as well as prominent activists on its platform.

File photo: YouTube logo

130,000 videos violating COVID-19 vaccine policies were already removed

In a blog post, YouTube said it would remove videos claiming that vaccines do not reduce rates of transmission or contraction of the disease. They will also remove content containing misinformation on the substances contained in vaccines.

We've steadily seen false claims about the coronavirus vaccines spill over into misinformation about vaccines in general, and we're now at a point where it's more important than ever to expand the work we started with COVID-19 to other vaccines, YouTube added.

YouTube said that they have consulted with local and international health organizations and experts in developing these new policies.

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YouTube continues to allow the following content:

1. Vaccine policies

2. New vaccine trials

3. Historical vaccine successes or failures

4. Personal testimonials relating to vaccine

These videos will be allowed "so long as the video doesn't violate other Community Guidelines, or the channel doesn't show a pattern of promoting vaccine hesitancy". YouTube said that these policies complement their ongoing work to raise up authoritative health information. The platform recently introduced a feature connecting users to credible, quality health content and sources.

The policy has already taken into effect on September 29 and according to YouTube, "as with any significant update, it will take time for our systems to fully ramp up enforcement".

What do you think guys?

Via: YouTube