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YouTube has announced its proactive approach to removing content related to cancer treatments that have been proven harmful or ineffective. Videos that discourage viewers from seeking professional medical treatment will also be taken down.
This step taken by YouTube is part of its larger initiative to tackle medical misinformation and provide accurate health information to its users. Removing content promoting harmful or ineffective cancer treatments aligns with YouTube's efforts to combat misinformation on various medical topics such as COVID-19, vaccines, and reproductive health. YouTube aims to implement its medical misinformation policies on topics that pose significant public health risks and where authoritative guidance from health authorities is available.
Furthermore, the updated policies extend to videos that propose unproven treatments as alternatives to established medical practices. For example, videos that promote reliance on vitamin supplements instead of medically proven treatments will face removal.
YouTube's commitment to removing harmful content is not new. The platform has previously taken action against vaccine misinformation and other health-related misinformation, including false claims about abortion safety and unsafe abortion methods.
This move showcases YouTube's ongoing dedication to creating a safer environment by providing its users with accurate and reliable health information. In the face of widespread misinformation on various online platforms, YouTube's proactive approach to removing harmful content contributes to the battle against false information.
It is important to note that while significant tech platforms initially united against COVID-19 misinformation, their approaches have evolved based on changing circumstances and priorities. Twitter and Meta (formerly Facebook) have adjusted their moderation policies to promote accurate and trustworthy information while minimizing the impact of harmful misinformation.