Bitcoin is also a popular topic on Youtube. Whether you're looking for controversial opinions or analysis, you'll always find something you like on Youtube. Indeed, I'm writing this in the past tense. Youtube came with a very unpleasant Christmas surprise.
Bant Youtube Bitcoin?
What exactly is going on is not clear. What is clear is that Youtube has launched an attack on the cryptocommunist in the last few days. Many influential Youtubers about Bitcoin and other crypto coins claim to have been attacked by Youtube, a subsidiary of Google.
Sanctions range from a warning, through content deletion and account deletion, to a ban on the channel administrator. Why one Youtuber gets more punishment than the other is not clear. There have been no recent updates of regulations and so far Youtube has not responded with content.
However, messages shared by the affected videomakers always show the same picture. The content is seen as 'harmfull and dangerous'. Youtube also announces that the content is seen as 'promoting certain regulated goods and services'. The strange thing is that crypt currency (other than, for example, pornography, firearms and drugs) is not explicitly mentioned on that list.
Whether Youtube acts randomly, has special criteria or will eventually remove all crypto content is not clear.
How does the Bitcoin community react?
The reactions from the Bitcoin community are furious. Especially the timing (in the holiday season), the lack of information and the silence make the community angry and insecure. In fact, many Youtube people are totally or partially dependent on their income from Youtube content. They also see many years of work and sometimes hundreds of thousands of viewers disappear, as this frustrated Tweet shows. At the bottom of the article you can see an overview of accounts that have been affected by sanctions. By the way, Youtube keeps deleting accounts, so how long your favorite crypto blogger will be visible, is the question.
What else does the Bitcoin community do?
Partly due to the holiday season, the counteractions are still in full preparation. However, it is clear that the community will not let this go over its side. For example, cryptic fame calls on Mati Greenspan to boycott Youtube.
In addition to a call for a boycott, voices are calling for a joint search for a decentralised alternative platform. Here one can upload the videos without censorship and thus actually boycott Youtube. The chairman of Cryptobeurs Binance, referred to as CZ, gave the reason for this. Partly due to his successful currency in 2019, he is an important influencer who has both the technology and the financial means to get something like this off the ground.
What effect does Youtube's action have on Bitcoin's course?
Currently, the live prices are down compared to yesterday, but whether this is directly related to the actions of Youtube is impossible to prove. That Youtube as part of Google is trying to thwart the crypto community in this way without notice is not a good sign. For example, the search history on Google is often an indicator to gauge consumer interest. Also, the qualification given by Youtube has an impact on Bitcoin's reputation. Are we going to experience an unexpected stormy start of 2020?
Which Bitcoin vloggers have been affected by Youtube?
As promised, we close the article with the overview of affected Youtubers. Although the list expands, these are currently at least:
