Youtube to ban Manipulated Content related to Elections. Youtube to ban election-related videos that are “manipulated or doctored” to mislead voters, as part of its efforts to stem online misinformation.
The Google-owned video service said it was taking the measures as part of an effort to be a “more reliable source” for news and to promote a “healthy political discourse.” The policy also bans content which aims to mislead people about voting or the census processes.
The move comes amid growing concern about so-called “deepfake” videos altered by using artificial intelligence. It can create credible-looking events, but also “shallow” fakes, and manipulated content that use more rudimentary techniques to deceive viewers.
Online platforms have come under pressure to root out misinformation in the wake of a foreign manipulation effort in the 2016 US elections. The timing of the latest YouTube statement is crucial as the US presidential primary kicks off. Caucuses in Iowa on Monday and the first primary next week in New Hampshire.
Google last year said it was stepping up efforts on election misinformation and would remove false claims in ads. This includes ads on YouTube as well. Youtube to ban Manipulated Content related to Elections.
The announcement underscores differing policies by major social networks on disinformation. Twitter has said it would ban all political ads for candidates. Meanwhile Facebook has maintained a hands-off policy for political speech and ads. Although some exceptions for content that misleads users about voting times and places.