The YouTube video platform today informed us of new service items that are in effect from December 10, 2019, which include a new item that serves as a reminder to all users that the company does not have to keep any video it does not want.
The new terms of service policy states that YouTube is not obliged to host or submit content, another way of saying that although YouTube is an open platform, this does not mean that the company is required to continue playing videos.
The platform has faced criticism from all sides for video removals, and some critics argue that the site could do more to remove videos that oppose the company's laws but do not directly violate them.
Others argue that YouTube should be a fully open platform, and should not control which videos should remain or should be deleted.
Companies are constantly talking about their terms of service, the third change to the video sharing platform in 2019, and these latest updates appear to coincide with the upcoming changes that YouTube will make in accordance with the platform's new FTC guidelines.
Several updates focus on who uses the platform and protectchildren, after the Federal Trade Commission in September issued a $170 million fine against Google for alleged violations of the Online Children's Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).
The platform has agreed to make changes to increase child privacy protection and compliance with the law, and the terms of service now come with an updated section on parental responsibility when children use the platform.
The update explains each country's age requirements for using YouTube, and there is a notice that says: If you are a minor in your country, you must always get the permission of your parents or guardian before using the service.
The new terms of service have caused some users and creators to worry that the company may delete their accounts, in other words, YouTube can simply terminate channels and accounts if it doesn't monetize.
The updated terms of service say: YouTube may terminate your access or your Google account to the entire service or part of it if YouTube, at its own discretion, believes that providing you with the service is no longer commercially applicable.