Bong Long Reader

The challenges behind the platform’s growth, policies, and global impact.

➤Adpocalypse and Brand Safety Concerns:
Multiple “Adpocalypse” events occurred when ads were shown on controversial content, causing major advertisers to pull out and prompting changes in monetization rules.
➤Algorithm Promoting Extremist Content:
YouTube has faced criticism for allegedly promoting extremist or conspiracy videos, as its algorithm prioritized engagement over responsibility.
➤Content Moderation and Censorship Claims:
Some creators and viewers have accused YouTube of biased censorship, especially regarding political or sensitive topics, raising free speech debates.
➤Demonetization of Creators Without Clear Reasons:
Many YouTubers have reported their videos being demonetized unexpectedly, often without clear feedback, impacting their revenue and content strategy.
➤COPPA and Children’s Privacy Violations:
In 2019, YouTube was fined $170 million by the FTC for violating the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) by collecting data on kids without consent.
➤Content ID and Copyright Abuse:
YouTube’s Content ID system has been abused by some companies or individuals to wrongfully claim ad revenue or block videos of independent creators.
➤Harmful or Dangerous Trends Going Viral:
The platform has faced backlash for hosting viral challenges and content that promoted harmful behavior, such as the “Tide Pod Challenge” or unsafe stunts.
➤Shadow Banning and Reduced Visibility Allegations:
Some creators claim YouTube shadow bans content or limits reach for certain topics, especially in health, politics, or social issues.
➤Misinformation and Fake News Proliferation:
YouTube has struggled to control the spread of misinformation, particularly during elections, the COVID-19 pandemic, and global crises.
➤Toxic Comment Sections and Harassment Issues:
Despite efforts to improve community standards, many videos still suffer from harassment, bullying, or hate speech in the comments.