Reports of sexually explicit ads on YouTube are on the rise, sparking growing concerns over the platform’s content moderation. Despite YouTube’s claims of strict policies and monitoring, incidents like the one below highlight the urgent need for better safeguards.
A Disturbing Incident on YouTube
A recent Reddit post has drawn attention to yet another troubling example. A Redditor shared how their 7-year-old nephew was watching Fortnite videos by popular streamer Loserfruit when an explicit ad suddenly appeared. The child, confused, mistook the adult film actor in the ad for the streamer herself and asked, “What is she doing, and why isn’t she playing a game?”
This incident underscores the vulnerability of YouTube’s youngest users and the glaring gaps in its ad moderation efforts. You can read the full Reddit post here.
A Longstanding Issue That’s Getting Worse
Inappropriate ads are not a new problem for YouTube, but recent reports suggest the issue is escalating. Over the past few months, Reddit users have increasingly flagged ads featuring sexually explicit content. A quick search of the fan-managed YouTube subreddit reveals an alarming rise in such complaints. Check the discussions here and here.
The problem isn’t limited to ads. NSFW bot accounts have also been spamming the comments section of many popular videos. In fact, YouTube’s ad moderation failures, combined with other changes, have left many users dissatisfied. A 2024 poll by Android Authority found that over 80% of 24,000 participants were unhappy with YouTube’s current state.
YouTube’s Response: Is It Enough?
YouTube claims to have strict policies against sexually explicit ads and points to its ongoing efforts to block inappropriate content. In 2023 alone, the platform removed over 5.5 billion ads and suspended nearly 12.7 million advertiser accounts. Google also uses AI to detect and remove harmful ads, blocking or removing 35 million ads in categories like sexual content, gambling, and misrepresentation.
While these numbers sound impressive, the continued rise in NSFW ads suggests the current measures are not enough. YouTube needs to rethink its ad vetting processes to ensure a safer experience for its users—especially children. Failing to do so not only risks its reputation as a reliable streaming service but also raises serious concerns about user safety.
How to Protect Yourself from Bad Ads on YouTube
If you’re concerned about inappropriate ads, here are a few steps you can take:
- Subscribe to YouTube Premium: While it’s a paid service, YouTube Premium removes all ads, including NSFW ones, and offers an uninterrupted viewing experience.
- Use YouTube Kids for Children: This dedicated app provides a safer, age-appropriate environment for young viewers, with tools that allow parents to moderate their child’s content.
- Report Inappropriate Ads: If you come across a bad ad, report it to YouTube immediately to help improve their moderation efforts.
Inappropriate ads on YouTube are a growing concern, but with the right precautions, you can create a safer experience for yourself and your family. Let’s hope YouTube steps up its efforts to tackle this issue sooner rather than later.
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