Annual Reminder: Importance of Compliance with Platform Rules

In its latest annual reminder, YouTube has reiterated the importance of adhering to its Terms of Service and Community Guidelines. The platform also emphasizes the need for content creators to align with Indian IT compliance laws, especially those in news and current affairs.

NEW DELHI (India CSR): YouTube has issued its yearly reminder, notifying users and creators worldwide to comply with the platform’s Terms of Service, Community Guidelines, and Google’s Privacy Policy. This reminder, aiming to make YouTube a safer space, also highlights compliance with India’s Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, specifically for those publishing news content.

“The Community Guidelines which are a part of our Terms of Service, aim to make YouTube a safer community while still giving creators the freedom to share a broad range of experiences and perspectives. The Community Guidelines outline what type of content isn’t allowed on YouTube. These policies apply to all types of content on our platform, including videos, comments, links and thumbnails. In addition to Community Guidelines, creators who want to monetise content on YouTube must comply with Monetization Policies.”, Youtube said.

Community Guidelines: Ensuring a Safe YouTube Environment

YouTube’s Community Guidelines, integral to its Terms of Service, outline content restrictions and clarify what types of content are not allowed. These guidelines apply to all platform activities, including videos, comments, links, and thumbnails. Additionally, creators who wish to monetize their content must adhere to strict Monetization Policies.

“By way of due diligence as an intermediary we also take this opportunity to remind our users to comply with the Indian Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 (as amended) (“Intermediary Rules”).”, Youtube informed its users.

Indian Users: Special Compliance Requirements for News Content

The email also addresses Indian users, particularly publishers of news or current affairs content, underscoring the necessity to register their YouTube account details with India’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) under the amended Intermediary Rules, as mandated by a public notice issued on May 26, 2021.

“YouTube is also again informing you under Rule 5 of the Intermediary Rules that if you are a publisher of news or current affairs content, you are required to furnish the details of your accounts on YouTube to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (“MIB”) in compliance with Rules 18 of the Intermediary Rules and public notice dated 26 May 2021 published by MIB.”, YouTube said.

Consequences of Non-Compliance: Account Suspension or Termination

YouTube warns that failure to comply may lead to account suspension or termination. Users are urged to review these policies thoroughly and maintain adherence to continue enjoying uninterrupted access to the platform.