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YouTube Owned by Google has banned all conspiracy theory videos falsely linking coronavirus symptoms to 5G networks as it tightens its rules to continue to reduce the frequency it recommended them in its Up Next section.
The move follows a live-streamed interview with conspiracy theorist David Icke on Monday, in which he had linked the technology to the pandemic.
The interview was watched by about 65,000 people as it was streamed, some of whom clicked an on-screen button to trigger payments to make their live chat reactions stand out.
YouTube only deleted the content after the session had ended, despite being aware of the broadcast while it was ongoing.
It changed its rules after the BBC questioned why the video was permitted.
“We have clear policies that prohibit videos promoting medically unsubstantiated methods to prevent the coronavirus in place of seeking medical treatment, and we quickly remove videos violating these policies when flagged to us,” a spokeswoman for YouTube told the BBC.
“Now any content that disputes the existence or transmission of Covid-19, as described by the WHO [World Health Organization] and local health authorities is in violation of YouTube policies.
“This includes conspiracy theories which claim that the symptoms are caused by 5G.
“For borderline content that could misinform users in harmful ways, we reduce recommendations. We’ll continue to evaluate the impact of these videos on communities around the world.”
Users who repeatedly break the rules now face being prevented from being able to use YouTube’s Live tool.
The firm may also prevent repeat offenders from earning money, and said it would terminate channels as a last resort.