YouTube has apologized for blocking some LGBT+ content and content from LGBT+ creators under its “Restricted Mode.”
Restricted Mode was introduced in 2015 to highlight “family-friendly” content – but was found to be blocking some videos with LGBT+ content or content authored by LGBT+ people regardless of the appropriateness of the content itself.
YouTube star Tyler Oakley’s educational video “8 Black LGBTQ+ Trailblazers Who Inspire Me” was found to be blocked in Restricted Mode.
“Restricted Mode is an optional feature used by a very small subset of users who want to have a more limited YouTube experience,” YouTube told CNN in a statement. “Videos that contain LGBT topics are available in Restricted Mode, however, some videos that cover subjects like health, politics and sexuality may not appear for users and institutions that choose to use this feature.”