Advancing Digital Content Safety Part 2 | DAVOS AGENDA 2021 | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

The panel discusses the definition, measurement, and importance of digital content safety, addressing issues such as harmful content, public safety, and disinformation.

Key Insights

• 🦺 Digital content safety involves protecting the community from harm, disinformation, and violence.
• 🦺 Platforms like YouTube have implemented policies, strike systems, and moderation techniques to ensure content safety.
• 🥹 Advertisers play a crucial role in holding platforms accountable and have influenced discussions on content standards.
• 🔉 The regulation of social media platforms should involve independent oversight and address various aspects beyond harmful content.
• 🧑‍🌾 Repealing Section 230 entirely could have far-reaching consequences and diminish the benefits of the internet.
• ⚖️ Collaboration between platforms, governments, and advertisers is essential to find a sensible regulatory balance.
• 👨‍💼 The impact of social media platforms extends beyond content and into business models and algorithmic amplification.

Transcript

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Questions & Answers

Q: Why did YouTube suspend President Trump's channel after the Capitol attack, and how does it relate to content safety?

YouTube suspended President Trump's channel for violating their policies on false claims of widespread voter fraud, aiming to prevent harm and maintain consistency. They take action quickly and enforce policies on all channels, regardless of the user's status.

Q: Why have advertisers returned to YouTube despite concerns about content that violate their standards?

Advertisers monitor content through audits and collaboration with organizations like the World Federation of Advertisers. They urge platforms to take more concerted action, focusing not only on individual content but on the platform's overall impact. Advertisers prioritize avoiding harmful content while acknowledging the benefits of social media for small businesses and creators.

Q: How do social media platforms like YouTube ensure content moderation and prevent harmful violations?

YouTube combines human moderators and AI technology to remove harmful content. Their goal is to be over 99.9% compliant in removing policy-violating content. They employ automatic flagging and quick removal of low-view content to prevent wide distribution.

Q: Should Section 230 be repealed, making social media companies fully liable for published content?

Repealing Section 230 entirely could have unintended consequences. While some argue for complete liability, others believe in balancing responsibility with independent oversight of social media platforms. A broader regulatory approach is necessary, considering various aspects like data protection, non-discrimination, and the impact of business models.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Susan Wojcicki emphasizes the importance of protecting the community by defining and enforcing policies against real-world harm on YouTube.

• Mark Read highlights the need to keep people safe from harmful content on social media platforms and the responsibility to address public health concerns and election-related violence.

• Mauricio Shaka emphasizes the need for independent oversight of social media platforms and calls for a broader discussion on the impact of business models.