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For some time now, several YouTube users have been reporting a problem related to obscene content. This type of content can appear both in video recommendations and in mid-roll ads. However, the situation seems to be escalating with NSFW content aimed at minors.
As reported by Android Authority, some Redditors found YouTube channels full of obscene content. The channels are full of animations allegedly aimed at a child audience. However, they show all kinds of situations that fall into the NSFW segment. The animations can include everything from implied nudity to moments of sexual harassment towards characters. The channels also don’t bother to hide the content of the videos, as the thumbnails themselves are quite explicit.
YouTube has a problem with obscene content targeting children
The creators of these channels do not apply age restrictions to their videos. Thus, they are accessible to the entire YouTube audience, including millions of minors. By 2023, around 10% of the platform’s total user base was underage. Considering that YouTube has almost 2.5 billion monthly active users, the number of children who can access inappropriate content is alarming.
The source also found that these “kids” channels with NSFW content also redirect to inappropriate content through video recommendations. For example, some videos featured recommendations with an Islamic sermon. YouTube claims that it has been investing resources and efforts in measures against the problem of ads and recommendations with obscene content. However, it seems incredibly easy to create and maintain a similar channel on the platform.
Some take advantage of the “legal loophole” to cultivate a young user base first who can exploit later with this type of content. Channels like “X Studio” started by uploading innocent and child-friendly animations for months. However, later on, they started uploading obscene content without any hindrance. These channels often take popular characters among children to star in the videos.
Sadly, it is not known whether YouTube will be able to effectively tackle the problem. It is something that has been going on for some time. Let’s hope that the company finds a real solution sooner rather than later.