YouTube is under fire for its lack of accountability regarding the proliferation of fake news and defamatory content on its platform. Despite numerous instances of channels engaging in illegal and unethical activities, the platform appears indifferent to the harm caused.
Recently, YouTube has faced criticism for allowing channels to spread false news such as “Samsung Electronics Executive Chairman Lee Jae-yong to get remarried” and “Lim Young-woong sang at President Yoon Suk-yeol’s wedding.” On July. 12., a shaman posted a defamatory video titled “Kim Hee-young and SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won finally announced their breakup!!!” Despite its clearly false and defamatory nature, YouTube has not taken responsibility. Victims often report these videos, but they can remain online for months, allowing some YouTubers to profit significantly from this hit-and-run strategy.
Content creators have expressed frustration with YouTube’s vague content removal policies, saying, “YouTube claims it will remove content based on guidelines against spam, deceptive behavior, sexual content, and nudity.” One YouTuber added, “They don’t provide specific details or explanations, even when they demonetize a video.” Experts argue that YouTube is abusing its monopolistic position by not offering clear standards beyond its own guidelines.
The government’s ability to regulate YouTube is also limited. “When we request that YouTube block access to defamatory posts, they often respond that no violations of their policies were found,” said a senior official at the Korea Communications Standards Commission. “Furthermore, they do not provide specific reasons when they do remove content.” Unlike domestic companies like Kakao and Naver, which are regulated by the Korea Communications Standards Commission and the Korea Fair Trade Commission and frequently testify before national audits, YouTube appears to be exploiting its superior position.
