YouTube Responds to Claims it Buried Certain LGBTQ+ Content
Prominent LGBTQ+ YouTubers like Tyler Oakley and Rowan Ellis are speaking out after some noticed at least parts of their catalogs have been invisible to users who use YouTube's Restricted Mode. While YouTube has insisted it's investigating the issue, content creators say it's not enough, and that the burying of videos has already opened up a huge can of worms.
This, many have noted, is the start of the #YouTubeIsOverParty.
Restricted Mode is meant to filter out potentially inappropriate or distinctly mature content, the service noted in a tweet. YouTube has maintained if there were, indeed, videos missing, it's because they fell under either category.
"The intention of Restricted Mode is to filter out mature content for the tiny subset of users who want a more limited experience," the statement reads. "LGBTQ+ videos are available in Restricted Mode, but videos that discuss more sensitive issues may not be. We regret any confusion this has caused."
Still, Oakley and Ellis claimed material that is not especially sensitive is still being blocked. Moreover, some insisted sensitive material is exactly what should be addressed without restriction.
Meanwhile, many videos targeting the gay community — including one called "I HATE FAGS!!!!" — are perfectly visible through the lens of Restricted Mode:
YouTube and Vine Stars That Hit it Big: