Censorship or Sanitation: The Battle Over YouTube's Policy Shift and the "Pressure" from the Biden Administration

Introduction

According to a report by U.S. Newsmax, a letter submitted by Google (Alphabet) to the House Judiciary Committee states that officials from the Biden administration repeatedly requested the removal of user posts related to COVID-19 that were "not in violation of policy." The letter asserts that "it is unacceptable for any government to interfere in platform moderation," and it also outlines YouTube's shift from its previously strict COVID-19 and election-related policies towards a broader space for expression. Additionally, multiple media outlets have reported that YouTube is providing a "path to return" for creators who were suspended under past policies.Newsmax

What is the "new fact"? — Key Points of the Letter

• "Pressure" from the Government
  The letter notes that officials from the Biden administration, including the White House, repeatedly requested the removal of COVID-related posts that did not violate YouTube's policies. Alphabet clearly delineated that "such interventions are unacceptable."

• Major Policy Shift
  YouTube abolished some COVID regulations in 2023 and will completely eliminate independent COVID policies by December 2024. It explained that it now allows a broader range of content, including discussions on the origins of COVID, treatment methods, and "broad" claims of election fraud.

• Warning Against EU Regulations
  The letter also touches on concerns that the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA) could effectively force the removal of "lawful content." As a global company, it stated that it remains vigilant in protecting freedom of expression and access to information.
  
  
  

Towards "YouTube Return" — What Specifically Will Change?

Outlets like AP and Business Insider reported that YouTube plans to offer a reapplication or rejoining mechanism for accounts that were permanently suspended under previous COVID and election-related policies. While detailed requirements and monetization handling await future announcements, a redesign to broaden the scope of expression is underway.

Reactions on SNS: Divided Opinions and Expanding Debate

• "Victory from Surveillance"
  Judiciary Committee member Jim Jordan welcomed the "return of all creators excluded from political expression" on X, as a result of their oversight activities. In conservative communities, it was spread as a "victory for expression."

• "Capitulation and Confession"
  On the other hand, the Democratic caucus of the committee, led by Raskin (RM), criticized Alphabet for "succumbing to pressure and catering to far-right demands." Concerns about deregulation were prominent from the perspective of public safety and hate countermeasures.

• Media and Tech Circles
  Political and tech media outlets quickly reported on the policy shift. Analyses suggest that the background includes a review of norms post-COVID, political pressure, and the "fog of legal risk."
  
  
  

The "Fog of Law" in the Background: Murthy v. Missouri (2024)

In the 2024 case Murthy v. Missouri, the U.S. Supreme Court did not delve into whether the government exerted "pressure" on social media, dismissing the injunction for lack of **standing** on the plaintiff's side. Thus, the standard for whether government involvement constitutes unconstitutional "coercion" remains ambiguous. This letter is significant as it records how companies perceived political influence amid this "fog of law."

What is Being Questioned: Four Key Issues

1. The Boundary Between Government "Persuasion" and Corporate "Autonomy"
   How to balance the need to protect public health and election integrity with the independence of private companies' decisions. The letter indicates that there were "requests to remove non-violating content," highlighting the difficulty of drawing a line.

2. Transparency and Accountability
   Under what rules, who, and which information was downgraded. Without transparency and archiving of deletions or downgrades, the debate goes in circles.

3. International Regulatory Interconnection
   How extraterritorial regulations, symbolized by the EU's DSA, will affect the expression environment within the U.S. Companies are wary of excessive intervention in lawful content.

4. Fairness in "Return" Design
   Consistent operation across the political spectrum is key, including rejoining review criteria, relief processes, preventive measures, and monetization conditions.
   
   
   

Outlook: For a Healthy Discourse Space

This letter visualizes the gap between the past (urgency during the pandemic) and the present (reconstruction of norms). YouTube's "return" is not merely a gesture of leniency but a redesign of platform governance. What is needed next is the

• formalization of communication guidelines between the government and companies (rules for recording and disclosure),

• third-party audits of intervention lines for "non-violating" content,

• transparency of return processes and future escalation procedures,

• post-verification involving researchers, civil society, and media.

Ultimately, what will be tested is the balance between design that withstands dissent and practical responses to misinformation. Both platforms and governments, as well as us users, are co-responsible for this balance.

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