YouTube confirms errors in channel bans and subscription cancellations

After facing backlash from creators and subscribers, YouTube has apologised for the technical glitch that resulted in the erroneous removal of several channels and the banning of user accounts. The Google-owned video platform is currently said to be working to restore the affected channels and accounts.

The technical glitch occurred on October 3, and YouTube acknowledged the problem on X the following day, informing users that several channels were incorrectly flagged for "Spam & Deceptive Practices" and subsequently removed, resulting in the main reason for banning several accounts.

As a result of this issue, many creators lost access to their channels and content, which affected their livelihoods, in some cases. The problem wasn't limited to content creators; some YouTube Premium subscribers also reported losing access to their paid accounts, impacting services like YouTube Music and YouTube TV.

Even after YouTube publicly acknowledged the issue, many creators voiced their frustration over the insufficient communication about the extent and reasons for the bans. Social media platforms were flooded with posts from creators and fans alike, calling for answers and the prompt restoration of their channels.

Some creators reported missing files and delays in restoring their playlists, which heightened concerns about the platform's dependence on automated systems for flagging and removing content.

Alongside the removal of channels, many YouTube Premium subscribers, including inactive content creators, reported losing access to their subscriptions. These erroneous takedowns affected both channels and Premium services, raising concerns about the interconnectedness of YouTube’s ecosystem across various offerings.

Although YouTube is actively working to resolve the issue, both creators and subscribers are calling for greater transparency and communication. This incident underscores the risks associated with automation in content moderation and the significant disruptions it can create across various services when problems arise.