The video-sharing platform outlined its "long term vision" for addressing "medical misinformation policies," with a particular focus on content related to cancer treatments.
According to YouTube, it is committed to hosting "high-quality health content" that aligns with the guidance provided by local and global health authorities. This includes addressing misinformation on topics such as COVID-19, vaccines, reproductive health, and harmful substances.
The platform emphasized that its policies will apply to specific health conditions, treatments, and substances that contradict the guidance of local health authorities or the World Health Organization (WHO).
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YouTube aims to provide clarity on its guidelines for users while cracking down on "egregiously harmful content," while still allowing space for debate and discussion. To determine if a particular condition, treatment, or substance falls under its medical misinformation policies, YouTube will evaluate the associated public health risk, guidance from health authorities, and the likelihood of misinformation.
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The platform plans to categorize its "misinformation guidelines" into three categories: prevention, treatment, and denial. For instance, content that contradicts the safety and efficacy of approved vaccines will be subject to removal. Similarly, videos promoting unproven remedies for various conditions will be banned. Additionally, content denying the existence of certain conditions will also go against YouTube's policies and be removed.
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YouTube specifically highlighted its focus on removing cancer treatment misinformation. It stated that it will begin removing content that promotes cancer treatments proven to be harmful or ineffective, as well as content that discourages viewers from seeking professional medical treatment. This includes videos promoting unproven treatments as a guaranteed cure or those that have been deemed harmful by health authorities. However, the platform noted that it may make exceptions for content that includes personal testimonies or discusses the results of specific medical studies.
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YouTube emphasized the importance of debate and discussion in the advancement of science and medicine. It stated that it considers public interest when making decisions about allowing certain content to remain on the platform, even if it violates their policies.
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