New Delhi: YouTube has announced a stricter stance against clickbait videos in India, a move that follows consistent pressure from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. The platform will now take a more aggressive approach to content that employs deceptive tactics, such as sensationalized headlines and misleading thumbnails, to lure viewers.
The move comes after the I&B ministry has consistently flagged channels that use such tactics, urging YouTube to remove them.
“We understand the importance of engaging titles and thumbnails for creators,” stated a YouTube spokesperson. “However, we have a responsibility to ensure users are not misled or disappointed. This policy change aims to create a more trustworthy and authentic viewing experience.”
The crackdown will primarily target videos with “egregious clickbait,” such as those using titles like “BREAKING NEWS” or “The president steps down” for content that does not align with the headline.
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YouTube has assured creators that they will have time to adjust to the new guidelines. The initial enforcement will focus on new video uploads rather than existing content.
To address this issue effectively, YouTube is strengthening its content moderation policies. The company is investing in advanced AI technology and expanding its human review teams to identify and remove misleading content more efficiently.
Channels that repeatedly violate platform policies may face severe consequences, including demonetization, channel restrictions, or even account termination.
Furthermore, YouTube will provide creators with more resources and educational materials to help them understand platform policies and create responsible content. This move by YouTube is expected to improve the quality of content on the platform and enhance user experience in India.
