YouTube to ban abortion misinformation on platform

YouTube, one of the world’s largest video hosting platforms is going to start taking down content promoting dangerous abortion procedures, according to a Bloomberg report. The move comes in the wake of rising concerns from pro-choice advocates as abortion access dwindles in the U.S. after the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

Since Roe v. Wade was overturned, medical professionals say that there is a rise in unsafe abortion content on social media, such as the use of toxic herbs to terminate a pregnancy. Before it was rolled back, Roe v. Wade provided federal protections for the last 50 years for women seeking abortions.  

On July 21, the site said that it would implement policy using guidelines set up by health authorities. It claims that enforcement will be “ramping up over the next few weeks.” Content that is set to be removed include instructions for at-home abortions that are different from those set up by healthcare authorities as well as false claims about how abortion affects fertility and can cause cancer, a YouTube spokesperson told Bloomberg.

Also Read: 17 Democrats arrested at Washington pro-abortion protest: What they said

Google has been making moves to improve its platforms in an effort to make them more trustworthy for users. With the overturning of Roe v. Wade, privacy protection concerns have shot up as many are worried about their data being used to track whether they’re considering abortions or not. 

Apps like Flo and Spot On, which track your menstrual cycle also collect user data leading people to become concerned about the companies being subpoenaed by law enforcement agencies. Even Silicon Valley has not been spared the changes brought on by the repeal of Roe v. Wade.

Also Read: How Silicon Valley responded to Roe v Wade overturning

A YouTube spokesperson released a statement saying that it was important to “connect people to content from authoritative sources” regarding abortion and that the company would constantly be reviewing their policies and products “as real world events unfold.”

Chief programme officer at the National Abortion Federation, Melissa Fowler hailed the move as a step in the right direction. Speaking to Bloomberg in an interview, she said that online platforms should be held accountable and make sure that people are not “subjected to any type of medical misinformation or misleading content.” She said that people should be able to trust that platforms are directing them to accurate information about abortion and their options.