YouTube is Struggling to Protect Children From Potential Abusers
 |
| Fortune |
Allegedly, a massive backlog of reports going back months has built up, as only a small percentage of complaints about such issues are formally addressed. It's a problem that extends to pretty much every kind of flag-worthy content on the platform, but it's especially pronounced in this case because reports left unaddressed could leave children in danger. In one particular case, a reporter claimed that he had made over 9,000 reports in a single month and not even one was taken forward.
The sheer volume of reports being made is, of course, difficult for YouTube to handle, but the wider issue at play here is that there simply is not enough security on the site to protect children. Many of the reports made concern comments on videos either made by or featuring young teens, sometimes asking them to undress or behave in a sexually explicit way, and sometimes trying to lure them onto private chat channels.
Some have theorised that there's a sizeable pedophile ring operating on YouTube, and although there's no proof of that, there's certainly plenty of evidence to support such a claim. The Trusted Flaggers system is proven in its accuracy, but that means little if YouTube staff aren't acting on the reports.
In this case, this could mean that any number of potential abusers are using YouTube to contact children and nothing is being done. Either YouTube need to find a way to improve the response rate or figure out a better method of coping with the threat of child abuse, but in either case, something more needs to be done.
Callum is a film school graduate who is now making a name for himself as a journalist and content writer. His vices include flat whites and 90s hip-hop. Follow him @Songbird_Callum
Contact us on Twitter, on Facebook, or leave your comments below. To find out about social media training or management why not take a look at our website for more info: TheSMFGroup.com
YouTube is Struggling to Protect Children From Potential Abusers
Reviewed by Unknown
on
Tuesday, August 08, 2017
Rating:
Reviewed by Unknown
on
Tuesday, August 08, 2017
Rating:
Unknown
Keeping you up to date on social media, digital marketing, apps, news & reviews. Social media, and digital marketing as a whole, are rapidly and constantly changing, adapting to new developments at an ever increasing rate. Just keeping up to date can be a nightmare. Our team of writers know their field, and keep an ear to the ground. We aim to keep you informed of all recent developments in the online world, and teach you a little something along the way. So whether you just want to stay connected, or gain some knowledge for yourself, the Social Songbird will keep on singing! More articles are posted every day so keep checking back! Join the discussion on Twitter - #SocialSongbird Or contact us directly - @SocialSongbird_
Entrepreneur, international speaker on Social Media Marketing. First one in the UK to write and speak in conferences about Twitter as a marketing tool. Consultant to Corporate Companies, Government Organizations, Marketing Managers and Business Owners.
Aspiring novelist with a passion for fantasy and crime thrillers. He hopes to one day drop that 'aspiring' prefix. He started as a writer and soon after he was made Executive Editor and Manager of the team at Social Songbird. A position he held for 5 years.
Adrienne is a passionate writer with experience in editing, content creation, and social media marketing. She’s a lover of animals, helping others improve their writing, and 2000s pop culture.
Musician, audio technician, professional tutor and a Cambridge university English student. Interested in writing, politics and obsessed with reading.
Recently graduated with a BA in English Literature from the University of Exeter, and he is about to study an MA in Journalism at the University of Sheffield. He is an aspiring journalist and novelist; in his free time he enjoys playing chess, listening to music and taking long walks through nature.
Lucy is an undergraduate BSc Politics and International Relations student at the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Anna Coopey is a 4th year UG student in Classics at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. She is a keen writer and researcher on a number of topics, varying from Modern Greek literature to revolutionary theory.
Ellie is a recent BA English Literature graduate and aspiring publisher with a passion for writing. Her favourite pastimes include reading and shopping.