author: Bart Swiatek
YouTube Will Limit Access to Videos Falsely Linking 5G and Coronavirus
YouTube plans to reduce the visibility of videos suggesting a link between the coronavirus and the 5G network, and in some cases remove them completely. The decision was made after a series of arson attacks on 5G transmitter masts in the UK.
IN A NUTSHELL:
- YouTube will less often recommend videos suggesting a link between the coronavirus and the 5G network;
- Materials that directly violate the regulations will be removed;
- The decision was made after 7 masts with 5G transmitters were set on fire in the UK because of conspiracy theories.
The Guardian reports that YouTube will make it difficult to access videos containing false information about the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus' association with the 5G network. This happened after nonsensical conspiracy theories led some people to setting fire to at least seven transmitter masts in the UK.
In most cases materials will not be completely blocked, but the algorithm will recommend them to users less often. In some situations - when a video clearly violates the rules of the platform - YouTube will remove it from the servers. Interestingly, this decision does not apply to content that disseminates conspiracy theories about 5G, but is not related to the pandemic.
It is worth noting that videos that mislead the viewer in connection with the coronavirus, e.g. suggesting cures for Covid-19 or "confirmed" ways to avoid infection, have already been subject to significant restrictions. This type of material is blocked as soon as it is reported to the administrators.
Conspiracy theories suggesting a link between the coronavirus and 5G are a unique manifestation of human stupidity and credulity. Even in normal circumstances it would be shameful to set fire to masts, but in pandemic conditions similar acts are particularly harmful - they make it difficult to access the network, which very many people now need to work and contact with their loved ones.