YouTube to Adjust Restrictions on LGBTQ Content After Viral Backlash

YouTube released an updated statement after yesterday's viral backlash, when several users, including queer musicians Tegan and Sara, realized LGBTQ videos were being filtered out under "Restricted Mode." This new feature was designed for parents, schools and libraries to censor "more mature topics" for users under 18--many were quick to question why non-explicit queer content would ever be deemed "inappropriate."

Related | YouTube's Problematic New Restricted Mode Censors LGBTQ Content

"The bottom line is that this feature isn't working the way it should," YouTube wrote last night on their blog. "We're sorry and we're going to fix it." They continued, saying about 1.5 percent of YouTube's daily views come from people who have Restricted Mode turned on, but they realize "this isn't about numbers; it's about the principle of anyone having access to important content and different points of view."

Among the many videos filtered out under YouTube's Restricted Mode, they pointed out five that were wrongly removed: Ash Hardell's "Her Vows," Calum McSwiggan's "Coming Out To Grandma," Jono and Ben's "Woman interrupted during BBC interview," and Tegan and Sara's "BWU [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]."

"There's nothing more important to us than being a platform where anyone can belong, have a voice and speak out when they believe something needs to be changed," YouTube said. "We truly appreciate your help keeping the YouTube community active and engaged on topics that matter to creators and YouTube fans alike."