YouTube tests new feature to fight misinformation

WEB DESK: In a bid to enhance its community features, YouTube is introducing a new tool aimed at tackling misinformation on its platform. Google, which owns YouTube, is focusing on this initiative as part of its broader effort to address the proliferation of false information online.

Some users have begun receiving invitations via email from YouTube, as reported by 9To5Google, to test a feature named ‘Viewers’ Notes.’ This new function is akin to X’s (formerly Twitter) Community Notes and is designed to allow users to address inaccuracies in videos.

The ‘Viewers’ Notes’ feature enables users to submit comments on videos they find “confusing or inaccurate,” providing additional clarification.

These notes can then be reviewed by the community, who will decide whether they should be displayed alongside the video. Additionally, users can include timestamps to pinpoint specific parts of the video relevant to their notes.

Initially announced in June 2024, this feature is currently available to a limited group of users and is compatible only with smartphones and tablets. However, YouTube may expand its availability to other platforms following successful testing.

YouTube encourages users to include citations and ensure that their notes are neutral, clear, and informative. Notes should provide additional context not immediately available in the video and address specific claims made in the content or its title. Only notes deemed “helpful” by the community will be published.

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