YouTube to recommend videos from credible sources in coming months

In a significant move, YouTube, owned by Google, is preparing to introduce a "Watch Page" that will recommend videos from credible news sources in India. Mira Chatt, Head of Government Affairs and Public Policy at YouTube India, made this announcement during the Google for India event, emphasizing the platform's commitment to reliable information.

Improving News Recommendations:

YouTube acknowledges the importance of credible news sources and aims to enhance the user experience by offering accurate and reliable content. The introduction of the "Watch Page" will mark a crucial step in achieving this goal. It will allow users to discover videos from sources known for their trustworthiness.

Rollout in India:

The "Watch Page" feature is scheduled to roll out in India in the coming months, bringing this valuable resource to users in the region. YouTube's decision to introduce this feature in India reflects the nation's growing significance as a key market for online platforms.

Addressing Government Concerns:

In response to a request from the Indian government, YouTube has taken the initiative to identify fake news channels on its platform. However, it's important to note that the government's communication did not provide a precise definition of "fake news."

Content Moderation Efforts:

YouTube has been actively moderating content on its platform to ensure compliance with its policies. Between April and June 2023, the platform removed more than 2 million videos in India that violated its content guidelines. These efforts demonstrate YouTube's commitment to maintaining a safe and trustworthy online environment for its users.

Here are some relevant and latest facts for the news article on YouTube to launch a new "Watch Page" for credible news sources in India:

• The Indian government has been cracking down on social media platforms for spreading misinformation, especially in the run-up to elections.

• In 2021, the Indian government introduced new rules for social media platforms, requiring them to remove content that is "harmful to the sovereignty and integrity of India," "defamatory," "invasive of an individual's privacy," or "hate speech."

• YouTube has been criticized for its role in spreading misinformation in India. In 2022, a study by the Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy at Harvard University found that YouTube was the most popular platform for spreading misinformation in India.

• The new "Watch Page" for credible news sources on YouTube is a response to these concerns. The page will recommend videos from a curated list of credible news sources.

• The list of credible news sources will be compiled by YouTube in consultation with experts and journalists.

• The new Watch Page will be rolled out in the coming months in India.

The launch of the new "Watch Page" for credible news sources is a significant move by YouTube. It shows that the company is taking the issue of misinformation seriously and is committed to providing its users with reliable news information.