YouTube updates misinformation policy to permit videos alleging fraud in the 2020 US election

YouTube has made a surprising announcement on Friday afternoon, stating that denialism of the 2020 election is now acceptable. The company claims to have thoroughly considered this decision, but has not provided any details on why they have reversed their previous ban on content that disputes the election results. YouTube had initially prohibited such content in December 2020.

YouTube has announced that it will no longer remove content that promotes false claims of widespread fraud, errors, or glitches in past US Presidential elections. The decision was made after the company recognized the need to reevaluate the effects of its policy in today’s changed landscape. While removing such content may curb misinformation, it could also unintentionally restrict political speech without significantly reducing the risk of real-world harm. With the 2024 campaigns already underway, YouTube has decided to halt the removal of such content.

Disinformation and disinformation are harmful on a societal level. They lure people into a false reality bubble of “alternate realities” where “good” tyrants and supporters of democracy are corrupt or untrustworthy. If it fails, it can leave people so confused as to what is true and what is not; Such gaslighting is almost as useful to authoritarian movements as attracting ardent supporters.

The move comes as 2024 Republican nominee Donald Trump and others continue to spread false claims about the outcome of the 2020 election. In addition to misleading voters, false statements about the integrity of elections can also lead to the passage of laws that make it harder for people to vote: Voter suppression laws passed under the guise of “election security.”

If YouTube discovers that data that somehow reveals that posting election bans isn’t harmful, the company may see fit to disclose it. But in short, all we have is YouTube’s claim that it “handled” the move carefully.