Two Youtubers Monetisation Curbed On Videos About EVMs; Platform Cites Guideline Violation
Popular video sharing platform YouTube has placed restrictions on the monetisation of at least two content creators on their videos regarding the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). The creators will not receive their share of advertisements revenue from content to the EVM, as per a report by Indian Express.
Notably, when asked if the Election Commission had requested YouTube to take action to demonetise videos on EVMs, the panel”s spokesperson responded saying that they “have no comments” on it.
Creators – Meghnad and journalist Sohit Mishra have been reported to have received notice from the YouTube regarding the monetisation curb on some of their videos about the EVMs and Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines. YouTube in its notice reportedly cited its guidelines that the videos with demonstrably false content are not eligible for the advertisement revenue.
The media house reports quoting the journalist Sohit Mishra that four of his videos to the EVMs have been curbed under monetisation, and the monetisation of only one video was later restored. His Youtube channel named “Sohit Mishra Official” has more than 3.68 Lakh subscribers.
For Meghnad”s contents, the revenue from advertisement was restricted for four of his two to three-hour-long live-stream videos. The videos that Meghnad did provided answers to the questions and doubts on the EVMs. His videos among others included content such as the updates of the Supreme Court hearing about 100 percent VVPAT counting and the electoral bonds.
Though he applied for review, the platform is yet to respond, Meghnad says, adding that he has no clarity as to why this happened. He has a total of more than 42,000 subscribers on his YouTube channel named Meghnerd.
As the platform claims the violation of its guidelines by airing “demonstrable false” content for curbing monetisation, a YouTube spokesperson said that the claims that are demonstrably false and could undermine participation or trust in an electoral or democratic process violate the platform”s policies.
“All channels on YouTube must comply with our Community Guidelines. Creators who wish to monetize their videos with ads are held to an even higher bar and must also comply with our Advertiser-Friendly Guidelines. Any claims that are demonstrably false and could significantly undermine participation or trust in an electoral or democratic process are in violation of our policies. These guidelines are enforced consistently, regardless of the creator, their background, political viewpoint, position or affiliation,” the spokesperson said to Indian Express.
The Central Information Commission (CIC) had recently slammed the Election Commission for failing to provide reply to RTI request of a representation including prominent figures. The representation had raised concerns about the credibility of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines used in elections.
