FTC Investigates YouTube Over Account Suspension Policies
Synopsis
The FTC is nearing a possible lawsuit against YouTube over claims it misled users about content rules before suspending their accounts.
Key Highlights
- Bloomberg News reports that the FTC is examining whether YouTube used unfair practices when suspending users’ accounts.
- The agency is moving closer to preparing a potential lawsuit against YouTube.
- The investigation looks at whether users were led to believe they could post a certain content, only to have it removed later.
FTC Probe Nears Final Stage
The US Federal Trade Commission has been investigating whether YouTube has violated consumer protection laws by suspending users and is now in the final stages of preparing a lawsuit.
The probe comes after FTC chairman, Andrew Ferguson called for greater scrutiny of online platforms and to enforce their speech policies.
Investigation Centres on Content Policy
According to the report, the FTC is investigating whether Alphabet’s video-sharing platform violated its own user policies when banning or removing content.
The agency is also examining whether YouTube’s policy may have some users thinking they are allowed to post a certain kind of content, only for that content to be removed or for their account to be suspended.
It is clear which accounts are covered under this investigation. And YouTube has not been accused of any kind of wrongdoing until now. The report also stated that investigations of such a kind sometimes end without any enforcement action.
Internal Disagreement Reported
The investigation is being handled by attorneys in the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, led by Chris Mufarrige, according to the report. Some career staff members have reportedly expressed internal concerns about moving forward with a case.
YouTube did not immediately respond to a request for comment, while the FTC also did not immediately respond to Reuters.
An FTC spokesperson declined to comment to Bloomberg but said leaks would not interfere with any law enforcement investigation or litigation at the agency. The spokesperson added that leaks would be referred for investigation.
Sources: Reuters
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