Published 13:02 IST, August 23rd 2019
YouTube removes robot fighting videos, thinks that's animal cruelty
YouTube may be confusing videos of robots fighting with animal cruelty for some strange reasons. Apparently, it has affected several YouTube channels run by con
YouTube can be funny at times. May be YouTube got confused between videos of robots fighting and animal cruelty for some strange reasons. A YouTuber who runs the channel called Maker’s Muse first noticed this. Apparently, it has affected several YouTube channels run by contenders on a robot-fighting TV show called BattleBots. Many such YouTubers have reported their videos were removed from Google’s video-sharing platform.
According to Motherboard, minimum of 15 YouTubers may have been affected. This also raises questions about the platform’s automated takedown process. Affected YouTubers reportedly received an email from the company stating that videos of animals being forced to fight are not allowed on YouTube. The company has restored videos that were deleted. YouTube also noted that affected YouTubers can always challenge its decision when they find their videos have been taken down for some reason.
Why did YouTube remove the videos in the first place?
YouTube’s decision to flag videos of robots fighting as animal cruelty in the first place raises many questions about the company’s automated takedown process. One such question is pretty simple: Why or rather how did the platform confuse robots battling with animal cruelty in videos posted on it? It would be hard to answer since there has absolutely been no clarity about YouTube’s internal process as far as automated takedowns are concerned. Reports say some of the affected videos had animal names mentioned in the title. However, it would be difficult to imply that is indeed the reason why YouTube may have removed those videos.
YouTube swings into action
YouTube had its share of trouble in the global markets. YouTube has been criticised for videos filled with hate speech being spread on its platform. YouTube may be taking steps to curb the spreading of videos violating YouTube’s community guidelines. It will be interesting to know what YouTube has to say on this matter. Earlier this month, YouTube permanently deleted the account of a 14-year-old YouTuber for violating its community guidelines.
Updated 13:15 IST, August 23rd 2019