YouTube Affirms Clear Policies for Government Content Removal Requests Following NHRC Directive on Allahbadia Video
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Synopsis
YouTube has reiterated its policy on government content removal requests after the NHRC ordered the platform to take down an episode featuring podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia. The video was flagged for being inappropriate, prompting a formal response from YouTube regarding its review processes and transparency efforts.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube maintains strict policies for content removal requests from governments.
- The platform assesses content per its Community Guidelines.
- Assam Police has filed an FIR against Allahbadia.
- NHRC has intervened due to allegations of legal violations.
- Allahbadia issued a public apology following backlash.
New Delhi, Feb 11 (NationPress) Following the directive from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) for the social media platform YouTube to remove content deemed “obscene and vulgar” stemming from podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia's remarks on the contentious show ‘India's Got Latent’, the Google-operated platform announced on Tuesday that it maintains clear protocols for content removal requests from governments globally.
A spokesperson for YouTube stated that the platform evaluates government requests for content removal when they are communicated through the appropriate legal channels and also assesses content for breaches of its Community Guidelines.
“When necessary, we limit or eliminate content in alignment with local regulations and our Terms of Service after conducting a comprehensive review. All such requests are documented and featured in our Transparency Report,” added the spokesperson.
YouTube indicated that, following a detailed review, the flagged video was disabled.
In a related development, the Assam Police has filed an FIR against Allahbadia concerning his controversial statements. The complaint also lists four other social media influencers alongside Allahbadia.
A number of celebrities have voiced their dissent regarding the contentious remarks made during the show.
Additionally, NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo reached out to YouTube, asserting that the questioned content appears to violate several legal statutes under the Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, the Information Technology (IT) Act, and other relevant laws.
In reference to a complaint submitted to the NHRC regarding the show, Kanoongo requested the platform to “take urgent action to remove the concerned episode/videos from YouTube.”
“Before removing such content, you must also provide details of the channel and specific videos to the relevant police authorities where the FIR has been lodged, for appropriate further action,” he wrote.
Allahbadia's lewd comments ignited a significant backlash on social media, resulting in widespread condemnation from internet users and public figures alike. Following the uproar, Allahbadia issued a public apology.
