Whether it is a 20-minute video of the funniest cat moments, or a day in the life of a daily ‘vlogger’. For some YouTube channels and the people/companies behind them, advertisement revenue is their main source of income.
Google’s internet video giant YouTube has seen an advertisement boycott from businesses due to issues of the potential promotion of hate speech in videos uploaded on the worldwide website. Without the ability to put advertisements on their videos, many of the modern day YouTube stars will struggle to keep their channels afloat. We are seeing more and more issues being raised with cyber security and the filtering of information displayed on websites, not only on YouTube.
Businesses began the boycott of YouTube advertisements earlier in the year, but a number of the big market brands have reverted to displaying their advertisements on the videos, as the popularity and in turn profitability of YouTube video advertisements is too appealing.
It is reported that McDonalds and RBS have returned, but Tesco, PepsiCo and M&S have not. The marketers cannot be linked to, or even insinuated with videos that may or may not promote hate speech. They were unhappy with the level of safeguarding measures that Google Ads had in place. Some seeking guarantees that their brands will not be advertised on the publicly available videos that any person can upload. YouTube have certain terms and conditions in place to protect them against liability. The age-old legal quote of whether “it is in writing” seems to always make an appearance in issues of liability. This is why it is important for businesses to have terms and conditions on their website for their own protection as well as their customers/clients.
Stephensons have worked with a number of businesses to make sure they have the correct website terms and conditions in place to meet their specific needs. In some circumstances, websites have the ability for users / up-loaders to post comments on their website. Of course, there are filtering measures in place, though the business itself in no way wants liability for a claim that may arise from the impact of a post. Therefore, the corporate team at Stephensons have aided such businesses by preparing bespoke terms and conditions which seek to reduce / limit the businesses liability for abusive / defamatory posts, where the businesses have done everything they possibly can to safely manage the running of their website.
For more on website terms and conditions, and if you want some advice on whether you need terms and conditions for your website, please contact Thomas Baker on 01616 966 229.
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