Question
Allowing extremist organizations to freely post content on platforms like YouTube can have several potential dangers. Firstly, it can lead to the spread of harmful ideologies and propaganda, which can influence vulnerable individuals and potentially lead to radicalization. Secondly, it can provide these organizations with a platform to recruit new members and spread their influence. Thirdly, it can threaten national security by magnifying the work of foreign threats. Lastly, it can undermine the principles of democracy by promoting hate speech and violence.
This question was asked on:
Consider the fact that thirty years ago, extremist organizations would have to go to great effort to disseminate propaganda videos to more than a couple hundred people. "But today ISIS can make a video, post it for free on YouTube, and get two million views in a week – especially if it involves something horrific like a beheading." YouTube has every ability to censor for videos that threaten our national security or magnify the work of foreign threats. But they have chosen not to, hiding behind the veil of free speech. And extreme and dangerous content is not just a minor threat. As of 2015, ISIS supporters have 46,000 accounts on Twitter, and those accounts post upwards of 90,000 tweets each day. In 2013, ISIS could claim that 35,000 videos on YouTube were theirs.
Receive new free presentations every Monday to your inbox.
Full content, complete versions — No credit card required.
