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YouTube COPPA changes result in videos with violence, gore, and strong language being labeled “made for kids”

YouTube’s machine learning isn’t up to the task.

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Earlier this month, YouTube started to fully roll out its controversial Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) changes and now many of the platform’s users are reporting that videos with violence, gore, and strong language are being automatically marked as “made for kids” by YouTube.

When these COPPA changes were first announced last September, YouTube said that machine learning would be used to automatically identify “content made for kids.” Based on the type of videos being flagged, it appears that the machine learning is flagging videos that have visual elements that are often associated with kids’ content (animation, puppets, etc) but failing to look at the themes of the video, identify strong language, and detect violent imagery.

Videos that are deemed to be made for kids by YouTube’s machine learning have many of their features restricted with comments, notifications, add to playlist feature, download, and playback in the miniplayer all turned off when videos are in this state.

YouTube warns viewers “This action is turned off” when viewers attempt to download or save videos that have been flagged as made for kids
YouTube warns viewers “This action is turned off” when viewers attempt to download or save videos that have been flagged as made for kids
Comments are disabled on YouTube videos that have been flagged as made for kids
Comments are disabled on YouTube videos that have been flagged as made for kids
The miniplayer is blocked on YouTube videos that have been flagged as made for kids
The miniplayer is blocked on YouTube videos that have been flagged as made for kids

For creators, videos that have been flagged as made for kids don’t display personalized ads – a change that’s estimated to reduce creator ad revenue by as much as 90%.

Some of the videos that have been flagged as made for kids but contain adult themes, strong language, or violent imagery include:

1. Don’t Hug me I’m Scared

Don’t Hug me I’m Scared is a surreal horror-comedy video which features puppets and gruesome imagery including a cake made from internal organs (YouTube - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9C_HReR_McQ">Don’t Hug me, I’m Scared</a>)
Don’t Hug me I’m Scared is a surreal horror-comedy video which features puppets and gruesome imagery including a cake made from internal organs (YouTube – Don’t Hug me, I’m Scared)

2. STARBARIANS – Episode 3

STARBARIANS is an animated series which features violence, gore, and sexual content (YouTube - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USJdjcoTmCc">STARBARIANS - Episode 3</a>)
STARBARIANS is an animated series which features violence, gore, and sexual content (YouTube – STARBARIANS – Episode 3)

3. Stocking Anarchy Funny Moments Compilation!!!

Stocking Anarchy Funny Moments Compilation!!! is a compilation from the Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt anime series which features crude themes and strong language (YouTube - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9vyysqhLjQ">Stocking Anarchy Funny Moments Compilation!!!</a>)
Stocking Anarchy Funny Moments Compilation!!! is a compilation from the Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt anime series which features crude themes and strong language (YouTube – Stocking Anarchy Funny Moments Compilation!!!)

4. Cans Without Labels by John K.

Cans Without Labels by John K. is an animated dark comedy which features characters eating a face and strong language (YouTube - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSZqX5Io6AY">Cans Without Labels by John K.</a>)
Cans Without Labels by John K. is an animated dark comedy which features characters eating a face and strong language (YouTube – Cans Without Labels by John K.)

While creators can disable the made for kids flag if they believe it’s been incorrectly applied, this creates additional work for creators.

The videos that have been flagged also show that YouTube’s machine learning currently isn’t up to the task of accurately determining whether videos are suitable for children.

The fallout from these COPPA changes comes after other recent changes have also impacted both viewers and creators on the platform.

YouTube’s recent enforcement of its harmful and dangerous policy and updated harassment policy has left many fearing that true crime videos, comedy videos, political commentary videos, and videos roasting other creators no longer have a future on the platform.

If you're tired of censorship and dystopian threats against civil liberties, subscribe to Reclaim The Net.

Tired of censorship and surveillance?

Defend free speech and individual liberty online. Push back against Big Tech and media gatekeepers. Subscribe to Reclaim The Net.

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