Google Takes Action to Protect Users and Advertisers on YouTube

Today, we have an important update from Google that will be of interest to all YouTubers out there. Google has just announced that it’s implementing new measures to enforce its policies and safeguard users and advertisers. So, let’s break it down!

In a recent blog post, Google outlined the actions it’s taking to strengthen user and advertiser protections on YouTube. Here are the key changes you need to know about:

1. No more ads for channels repeatedly running violative ads: Channels that frequently run ads that later get removed for policy violations will temporarily lose their ability to run ads. If the violations continue, they may face a permanent ad suspension.
2. Strikes for channels running violative ads: Google will issue strikes to channels that run ads violating policies regarding harmful, dangerous, or misleading content. Accumulating multiple strikes can result in consequences such as losing the ability to run ads or upload videos.
3. Restricted Google ads and YouTube placements for repeat offenders: Channels that frequently run violative ads will have their Google ads (including those on YouTube search) and YouTube placements (like video cards at the end of a video) restricted.
4. Enhanced detection of violative ads: Google will use machine learning to improve the detection and removal of violative ads. This includes ads containing hateful, offensive, or sexually inappropriate content. In 2018 alone, Google removed a staggering 1.4 billion bad ads, a 59 percent increase from the previous year.

These new policies are there to prevent creators from profiting from ads that violate Google’s rules and could potentially harm users or advertisers. However, some creators argue that the algorithms and human moderators responsible for detecting policy violations often make mistakes, leading to what they perceive as unfair sanctions. This tension highlights the immense challenges involved in moderating billions of ads and videos across Google’s platforms.

Google emphasizes that these changes are already in effect. They will notify creators when ads or the ability to run ads are removed from their channels.

So, if you’re a YouTube creator, make sure to stay updated with Google’s policies to avoid any disruptions to your ad revenue. As we know, we expect that there will be some errors in detection and we’ll see how this journey goes over the next couple of months.