YouTube's relaxed moderation policy allows more controversial videos on the platform

Why it matters: Don't be surprised to see more controversial videos on YouTube. Much like Meta, the platform has relaxed its moderation policies, allowing content that violates the usual rules if it is deemed to be in the "public interest."

The Google-owned site has provided moderators with new guidelines and training on how to deal with inflammatory content that breaks YouTube's code of conduct, writes The New York Times.

Reviewers have been told not to remove anything considered to be in the public interest. This includes discussions of elections, ideologies, movements, race, gender, sexuality, abortion, immigration, and censorship. Moderators were previously told to remove videos if one-quarter or more of the content violated YouTube policies. Now, that limit has been increased to half. Reviewers have also been told to consult with their managers if the videos are borderline, rather than removing them outright.

YouTube said the change expanded ...