YouTube opens ‘second chance’ program to creators banned for misinformation

YouTube is launching a "second chance" program that will allow some creators who were previously banned for spreading COVID-19 and election misinformation to create new channels. The program is being rolled out under political pressure, with YouTube stating that it will consider factors like the severity of the violations and whether the creator's activity has harmed the YouTube community. The program excludes creators banned for copyright infringement or Creator Responsibility policy violations, as well as those who have deleted their YouTube or Google accounts. Eligible creators will have to wait one year after their channel's termination before applying for a new one. YouTube says the program is part of the platform's evolution and its desire to "get things right" with its community. The company also notes that it has lifted some of its COVID-19 and election misinformation policies and has recently loosened its content moderation policies more broadly.