Google has been struggling to find out a way on how to let kids watch videos on YouTube without exposing them to inappropriate content. After the recent content controversy, Google has now announced new features for the video platform that will allow parents to control channels and videos watched by children. Also Read - Android 12 Developer Preview: Requirements, How to install and more
Also Read - Don’t Google Search these vulnerable topics: You will thank us laterThe content controversy came to light with YouTube Kids app had been suggesting conspiracy theory videos, instead of filtering out unsuitable content. According to a report on Business Insider, a search for moon landing returned results with videos claiming moon landing was a hoax. While the video platform removed videos and blocked some channels from the app, there still needs to be some control on what kids watch, and the newly updates features aim to offer exactly that. Also Read - Google Recorder Web app released, allows Pixel users to access all recordings on desktop
Earlier this month, YouTube started looking at handpicking content for kids app. Now, it is also making changes to the app where parents can approve content, and also turn off search in the app. Also, suggested videos will only be from channels that have been verified by the internal team.
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While no system is perfect, we continue to fine-tune, rigorously test and improve our filters for this more open version of our app. And, as always, we encourage parents to block and flag videos for review that they don’t think should be in the YouTube Kids app. This makes YouTube Kids better for everyone, Google said on the YouTube blog.
Later this year, YouTube will also let you handpick every channel and videos for kids. Of course, there will be an option to turn off these restrictions to give kids with a complete access to the video content.