YouTube requiring children’s privacy setting from all content creators

By MixDex Article may include affiliate links

YouTube is starting to require that content creators label their content as “made for kids” as part of a settlement with the FTC over alleged violations of COPPA.

• Creators now have to mark uploaded video as “made for kids” or “not made for kids.”
• Starting in January 2020, YouTube will start using those indicators to kick in additional privacy settings when those videos are viewed.
• This includes eliminating certain data collection as well as removing personalized ads on this content.
• Not being able to show targeted, personalized advertising could have a significant affect on content creators’ revenue, though the exact extent has yet to be seen.
• Commenting, notifications and other features will also be affected.
• YouTube notes that it will use the time between now and January to experiment with its system and optimize settings.
• This news comes on the heels of a change to YouTube’s terms of service that introduces stronger language that allows YouTube to shut down a channel or account if it is not “commercially viable.”
• With the issue of no longer being able to serve personalized ads, it is possible that some creators could find their accounts loosing a significant amount of money — though it’s not immediately clear if that would make the unviable in YouTube’s eyes.
• In an email to creators, YouTube points out that it cannot provide legal advice as to how creators should classify content, but does include examples.