YouTube increases automated content moderation by viruses

YouTube increases automated content moderation by viruses

Technology platforms such as YouTube and Facebook Inc. continually examine user-generated content that is detected as potentially inappropriate.

YouTube is relying on its video filtering software as it adjusts its content moderation practices in the wake of the coronavirus. Google, which owns the world's largest video site YouTube, announced Monday that it will temporarily increase its reliance on automatic content moderation, explaining in a blog post that it aims to "continue to act quickly to remove inappropriate content and protect our ecosystem as we implement protections in the workplace. "

A YouTube spokeswoman declined to comment on whether the company would drop content moderation charges or whether employees could remotely review the videos.

Technology platforms like YouTube and Facebook Inc. rely on tens of thousands of contractors to examine user-generated content detected by their users or their software as potentially inappropriate. In late 2017, Google said its moderation workforce would exceed 10,000 people. Both companies have faced criticism, including from some of their own employees, for their creation of a two-tier workforce. Many content moderators are employed through outsourcing companies and do not receive the benefits and advantages of full-time employees.

Last week, Google began allowing more staff to work from home, and then began requiring employees in North America to do so. On March 10, he said he would compensate contractor staff, such as cafeteria workers, for the office closings and began requiring contracted companies to grant paid sick leave.

Facebook, which has required its direct staff in the San Fracnisco Bay area and Seattle to work from home, has said that part of its content review work cannot be done remotely for "security, privacy and legal reasons. " He said over the weekend that he was exploring remote job options for some contract workers.

"For the roles to be performed in the office, we are reducing the number of people present at specific times as much as we can, and taking additional steps to limit contact for those in the office," a Facebook spokesperson said in order to week.