YouTube algorithm deletes robot battles for animal cruelty violation

Posted on Wednesday, August 21 2019 @ 8:27 CEST by Thomas De Maesschalck

YouTube's algorithm went a little bonkers as hundreds of robotic battle videos got removed for violating "animal cruelty" rules. Google's video site is using AI to automatically detect videos of animal abuse, but it appears the algorithm can't see the difference between animals and robots.

Channels posting robot combat videos saw their content removed and received a notice from YouTube explaining that the videos were in breach of its community guidelines.

Each notice cited the same section of these guidelines, which states: "Content that displays the deliberate infliction of animal suffering or the forcing of animals to fight is not allowed on YouTube."

It goes on to state: "Examples include, but are not limited to, dog fighting and cock fighting."

Hey @YouTube, your new algorithm is removing robot combat videos (akin to Robot Wars, Battlebots etc) under the pretence of animal cruelty, animal fighting and such. A lot of independent content creators are losing out here. Please fix/restore for the sanity of fans and builders!
— Caley Creations (@CaleyCreations) 20 augustus 2019

Via: The Independent

About the Author

Thomas De Maesschalck

Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.

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