YouTube takes down Vinodh Kumar's controversial channel String for violating content policy
YouTube's recent decision to permanently remove the controversial String channel from its platform has ignited an inflated discussion around free speech and content moderation.
- The channel, hosted by Vinodh Kumar, had gained notoriety for its far-right and pro-ruling government leanings that had a knack for pushing YouTube's community guidelines to their limits, and sometimes way beyond.
What
Following YouTube's termination of the channel, the absence of transparency understandably raised concerns among some users, leading to the trending hashtag #ShameonYouTube on X.
Supporters of the channel argue that this decision might set a worrying precedent, potentially stifling free expression and open discourse on the platform.
On the flip side, YouTube's policy is designed to protect its user community from potentially harmful or misleading content.
- The platform clearly states that channels repeatedly flouting the rules could face the ultimate penalty - termination.
- In String's case, unsurprisingly, this wasn't a one-off - they had received prior warnings and strikes, suggesting they were frequent flyers in YouTube's penalty box.
Why
The email screenshot shared by String from YouTube provides some insight into the platform's reasoning.
- YouTube states that it takes down channels that severely violate its policies to safeguard its user base.
- This policy not only applies to the channel in question but also extends to any existing YouTube channels, new channels created, or channels that prominently feature content in violation of the guidelines.
String of notorious content
Kumar's channel could give even conspiracy theories a run for their money when it comes to bending the truth. This YouTube sensation has made quite a name for himself by serving up a piping hot dish of far-right, spiced with a generous helping of misinformation.
In one memorable performance, Kumar convinced viewers that politicians in South India are brainwashing the population into believing they're all related to British royalty.
- He even suggested that those who aren't fond of the Hindi language should pack their bags and head to the nearest forest to join the 'tribal' community.
Another incident involved YouTube's removal of one of String's videos in 2021. This video had exposed the content of the ‘Greta Thunberg Toolkit’ and included names of various media outlets, journalists, and activists. YouTube cited "harassment and bullying" as the reason for taking down the video.
- Kumar attempted to draw connections between institutions funded by George Soros, specific Indian media organisations, and certain activists.
- He claimed that these entities were involved in a coordinated social media campaign related to the 'farmers' protest, both within and outside India.
- The video also raised questions about DIGIPUB, an association of media entities and their alleged involvement in ‘anti-national propaganda’.
Rushing to support
Prominent BJP leaders and Hindu nationalists have often come to the defense of this YouTuber, even when he called for the hanging of Indian journalists.
When YouTube removed the video, String's Twitter handle reacted with shock and tagged several influential figures, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Home Ministry, the Enforcement Directorate, and the National Investigation Agency, urging them to "take note".
The channel's history of tagging powerful Hindu nationalist figures is evident, and it has, on previous occasions, warned of the host's safety due to the "explosive" content it was about to release.
The Kashmir Files maker chimes in
String had announced an upcoming podcast featuring Vivek Agnihotri, the director of The Kashmir Files, who has a new movie, The Vaccine War, slated for release on September 28, 2023.
Now, Agnihotri alleges that the “Toolkit Gang" had mass-reported String's channel to silence their exposé on the Indian Vaccine Project. He framed this as an attempt to curb free speech and pledged to move forward with the podcast.
- He accused certain journalists of undermining India-made Covaxin during the critical period of the pandemic.
- Notably, the villain in The Vaccine War, is a mediaperson (played by Raima Sen).
The backlash
Opinions on String's content, of course, vary widely. Some view it as ‘investigative journalism’, aiming to uncover hidden connections and agendas, while the more pragmatic see it as spreading conspiracy theories and misinformation.
The history of policy violations and controversial content associated with String played a role in YouTube's decision, which has escalated it into a topic of intense debate among fans of the channel, many calling for YouTube to revert its decision.
Fortunately for Kumar, all hope isn't lost as the last bastion of 'free speech' is still available at his disposal.