YouTube has responded to backlash as content with LGBT themes have been hidden on the platform.
In the tweet, they said “The intention of Restricted Mode is to filter out mature content for the tiny subset of users who want a more limited experience.”
A message to our community … pic.twitter.com/oHNiiI7CVs
— YouTube Creators (@YTCreators) March 20, 2017
In an emailed statement, YouTube said “some videos that cover subjects like health, politics and sexuality may not appear for users and institutions that choose to use this feature.”
The hashtag #YouTubeIsOverParty started trending on Twitter as YouTubers noticed the change. Many started posting the changes restricted mode made to their pages.
With the click of a button YouTube’s restricted mode makes me appear straight. Even when you dig/type in my name + bisexuality, this happens pic.twitter.com/JKbivanJdS
— Melanie Murphy (@melaniietweets) March 19, 2017
Just looked at my videos with the “restricted mode” on. Seeing a bit of a theme here…
LGBT+ content not safe for kids @YouTube? pic.twitter.com/KnhayE4h1y
— fiona ✨ (@neonfiona) March 16, 2017
This has even affected Taylor Swift who has had several videos hidden.
Some of Taylor’s music videos have been blocked from viewing through YouTube’s updated ‘restricted mode’. pic.twitter.com/X7Ra0v0bpf
— Taylor Swift Updates (@TSUpdatesNY) March 19, 2017
Tegan and Sara have also found some of their content hidden and have spoken out about it on Twitter.
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