YouTube takes down videos promoting gambling websites

Video sharing giant YouTube has taken down some videos, though not all, that promote gambling websites. The selecting pruning has come under criticism.

Popular users Jake Paul and Bryan “RiceGum” Le recently released videos that showcased them using a site called MysteryBrands.com—a service that lets users spend varying amounts of cash to try and “win” expensive products from digital boxes.

Following this, UK YouTube Morgan “Morgz” Hudson also published a video promoting the gambling site.

YouTube removed Hudson’s video for allegedly “violating” the platform’s policies, but has not acted upon the videos made by Jake Paul and RiceGum. The move strengthens the popular perception that YouTube creators at the very top can still get away with whatever they like.

“YouTube believes that creators should be transparent with their audiences if their content includes paid promotion of any kind,” the platform said in a statement to Vox.

“Our policies make it clear that YouTube creators are responsible for ensuring their content complies with local laws, regulations and YouTube community guidelines. If content is found to violate these policies, we take action to ensure the integrity of our platform, which can include removing content.”