More problems for the YouTube Kids app. Image: NurPhoto via Getty ImagesBy Karissa Bell2018-03-19 00:35:11 UTC YouTube Kids is once again facing questions over the content of its app. This time, it’s n| Techie World
Image: NurPhoto via Getty Images
YouTube Kids is once again facing questions over the content of its app. This time, it’s not violent videos but questionable conspiracy theories.
A report in Business Insider found the app recommended a number of videos promoting conspiracy theories, including that the moon landing was faked, the pyramids were built by aliens, and that “the planet is run by reptile-human hybrids,” among others.
Though these videos may not violate YouTube’s guidelines, it’s obviously not the type of content YouTube wants to promote to young children.
Worse, the revelation comes just as the company is facing increased scrutiny over its platform’s role in propagating conspiracy theories. CEO Susan Wojcicki has said the company will soon surface information from Wikipedia and other sources alongside videos about conspiracy theories.
In a statement to Business Insider, YouTube acknowledged “no system is perfect and sometimes we miss the mark.” The company added that it takes “immediate action” to block inappropriate videos from appearing in the app.
The problem for YouTube, though, is that with the vast amount of videos on its platform, the company hasn’t done a very good job at filtering out what is and isn’t suitable for children.
YouTube Kids has previously come under fire for promoting violent videos disguised as cartoons. It’s also faced questions from the FTC over whether sponsored content is properly identified.
