YouTube has alerted creators to the UK government’s proposal for mandatory changes regarding how content is discovered on the site, with traditional broadcasters potentially being favored.
The UK government has revealed its plans for a public consultation entitled ‘Watch this space: a new strategic direction for UK media’. It comes after public service broadcasters such as BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5 argued that, despite their trusted journalism, social media platform algorithms favor creator content, entertainment or overseas publishers.
The government is consulting on options, considering whether to make public service news easier to discover on sites like YouTube and TikTok, with greater prominence and with more visibility during periods of major public importance. It also seeks to discuss misinformation and online viewing habits.
YouTube against the proposed changes
YouTube has alerted some creators to the changes it could make to their channel, with a message headlined: “Proposed UK rules could control your feed. Keep YouTube Yours.” The message invites creators to learn more information about the proposed rules and submit their responses to the government.
“YouTube has always operated on the principle that every creator gets a fair shot. But new UK proposals could change that – requiring us to put some channels above others,” it reads. “This could severely limit your channel’s ability to grow. #KeepYouTubeYours.”
YouTubeThe message sent out to YouTubers warned against the impact of the changes for all creators.
Discussing the impact of the proposed rules, YouTube called them a “prominence regime”, saying that the platform would be forced to give a privileged position to mainstream outlets.
They have also said the move would be a threat to audience reach, with creator content “downranked […] regardless of what your audience actually wants to see.” They have also said it could be the end of the audience-creator bond.
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Creators have until August 31 to submit their responses to the proposals via a response form on the UK Government website.
For more on YouTube, check out our coverage of MKBHD’s statement on AI YouTube videos making him “obselete”, or MrBeast hitting 500 million subscribers on the platform.