YouTube launches dedicated section to curb COVID-19 misinformation

The section is visible as a clickable pop-up on the YouTube homepage. It features a World Health Organisation (WHO) logo captioned, "Get the latest info from the WHO about COVID-19." It provides comprehensive coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic from reliable sources such as BBC, CNN, The Washington Post, Sky News and ABC News.

“There’s a lot of uncertainty right now and we understand the importance of helping people find authoritative sources of news and information,” YouTube said in a blog post dedicated to artists and creators. “We're using our homepage to direct users to the World Health Organisation, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and other local authoritative organisations around the world to ensure users can easily find updates.

“We're also donating advertising inventory to governments and NGOs in impacted regions, who are using it to spotlight timely, helpful information. It remains our top priority to provide information to users in a responsible way. From the very beginning of this outbreak, we’ve worked to prevent misinformation associated with the spread of the virus.”

The streaming platform said it would continue to quickly remove videos that violate its policies, including those that discourage people from seeking medical treatment or claim harmful substances have health benefits.

“Finding trustworthy content is especially critical as news is breaking, and we’ll continue to make sure YouTube delivers accurate information for our users. Creators and artists bring us together, offering entertainment and solace through conversations that help us feel less alone. We’re working to help make those connections possible by meeting the increased demand for live streaming as university events, conferences and religious services move their gatherings online.”

Meanwhile, YouTube has announced that it will reduce streaming quality for users around the world to help lessen broadband strain. Videos will now start playing in standard definition (480p). Users who want to watch videos in HD can still do so but will have to select the option manually.