YouTube rolls out Fact-Check Tool

YouTube is planning to introduce a fact-check in search results for topics that are prone to misinformation.

Buzzfeed reports that this feature is currently available to some users in India and that this will be available worldwide.

As part of our ongoing efforts to build a better news experience on YouTube, we are expanding our information panels to bring fact checks from eligible publishers to YouTube.”
A YouTube spokesperson tells BuzzFeed News

Here is an example provided by YouTube of what the information panels look like.

The fact-check panels will automatically debunk false claims by pulling information from those third-party sites.

YouTube cannot outright remove content that spreads misinformation unless it also violates the platform’s community guidelines.

Instead, YouTube will debunk false claims in search results in an effort to thwart viewership of videos with misinformation. However, users can still go ahead and watch the videos if they want to.

Fact-check panels will not prevent users from being able to access content. They’re simply designed to keep users more informed.

It’s not a perfect solution, but maybe it’s the first step in fighting the growing concern of misinformation on YouTube.