YouTube's new 'Restricted Mode' has faced criticism from YouTubers and musical artists alike, after it was found to censor LGBTQ+ content.
Restricted Mode is an opt-in function designed to protect young viewers from “more mature content.” But videos offering LGBTQ perspectives on subjects like dating and attractions - such as vlogger Calum McSwiggan’s video about coming out to his grandmother - are reportedly being blocked.
Singers Tegan and Sara said “a bunch of our music videos disappear” in Restricted Mode, including one with “Nothing gay in it except us.”
Our videos for Alligator, That Girl + U-turn still restricted. None have "sensitive content" in them unless us dancing is "sensitive". https://t.co/IvFQfxYplZ
— Tegan and Sara (@teganandsara) March 20, 2017
The move prompted the hashtag '#YouTubeIsOver' party to circulate on Twitter last night.
In a statement, YouTube defended the new feature, saying: "LGBTQ+ videos are available in Restricted Mode, but videos that discuss more sensitive subjects may not be."
They added that they’re looking further into concerns and that some videos were "incorrectly labelled".
A message to our community ... pic.twitter.com/oHNiiI7CVs
— YouTube Creators (@YTCreators) March 20, 2017
Sorry for all the confusion with Restricted Mode. Some videos have been incorrectly labeled and that’s not right. We're on it! More to come.
— YouTube Creators (@YTCreators) March 20, 2017
