YouTube will no longer filter LGBT content in "Restricted" mode

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April 25, 2017 | Online

YouTube will no longer filter LGBT content in "Restricted" mode

Following backlash on social media, YouTube has finally modified its "restricted" content filter to stop blocking LGBT related content.

The filter was created to keep material deemed unsuitable from children. Many YouTube personalities discovered last month that their content was being targeted, even though there was nothing offensive about it.

"One of my recent videos 'Eight Black LGBTQ+ Trailblazers Who Inspire Me' is blocked because of this, I'm perplexed," YouTuber Tyler Oakley told his Twitter followers. He was just one of many people to complain.

YouTube promised to review its filter and address the issue as quickly as possible. This week, it said the problem had been resolved and that more than 12 million "unintentionally filtered" videos are available again.

"We want to clarify that restricted mode should not filter out content belonging to individuals or groups based on certain attributes like gender, gender identity, political viewpoints, race, religion or sexual orientation," the company said in a statement.

The filter still exists and continues to be "opt in." When turned on, it will filter videos that include graphic violence (including news clips), alcohol or drug use, and mature language.

"Though Restricted Mode will never be perfect, we hope to build on our progress so far to continue making our systems more accurate and the overall Restricted Mode experience better over time," YouTube added.

Users and creators can also flag videos that they believe have been incorrectly filtered.

Maybe now the site can focus on what really matters: fighting trolls.