We’ve seen YouTube clamp down on crypto channels before. Some have fallen victim to an algorithm update and been reinstated, others permanently purged as fake accounts and scammers. But now it looks as if the world’s largest video social platform has over-stepped the mark.
YouTube Permanently Deletes Crypto Crow Channel
Warnings, strikes, temporary bans, and takedowns of specific content are all par for the course when it comes to cryptocurrency influencers on YouTube. However, a stunned Jason Appleton (AKA prominent influencer Crypto Crow) took to Twitter today to say his channel had been terminated.
No idea why my channel was hit with this. They really dont tell you anything. I’m crushed right now. I’m stunned. I feel I’ve done everything properly.
What?! 
@YouTube just permanently DELETED a crypto channel!
That’s insane, pure censorship! Can’t believe this just happened! Retweet and LIKE to spread awareness!@TeamYouTube please fix ASAP! 
https://t.co/v14sQClNUn
— The Moon (@TheMoonCarl) April 9, 2020
His tweet was met with a flurry of support from other influencers in the crypto space. There were comments from Wendy O, saying:
Im so sorry to hear Crow – sending love and hope it gets resolved
And from fellow YouTuber Keith Wareing:
That’s terrible Jason. Sorry to hear this. For what it’s worth I have heard of other terminated accounts coming back after a few days, so fingers crossed
The rest of the comments hit out at YouTube for downright censorship. There was understandable anger and backlash. Many people pointed out that it was time for crypto influencers to leave YouTube in droves and opt for platforms like LBRY instead. As a digital marketplace controlled by its users rather than a centralized third party, censorship of channels is impossible.
The Fight Against Scam Accounts
The anger is understandable, particularly as Crypto Crow never received so much as a warning. Moreover, if years of uploaded work only exist on the platform, he’s probably lost a ton of material as well as followers overnight.
However, YouTube is caught in a constant game of whack a mole when it comes to shutting down fake accounts. Just a couple of weeks back, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse also took to Twitter to voice his outrage against YouTube. But this time for a different reason.
He had a fake account brought to his attention posing as him, leading him to say:
Enough is enough
Enough is enough — in a time of global crisis, when people are especially vulnerable — social platforms need to hold scammers (crypto and otherwise) accountable for stealing money from innocent victims with fake giveaways. (1/2) https://t.co/wxrF4J3JWu
— Brad Garlinghouse (@bgarlinghouse) March 25, 2020
He also added called out to the social media giants individually urging them to act:
@YouTube, @Instagram, @Twitter, etc. Action needs to be taken – more to come soon.
So is this a case of YouTube trying to crack down on fake accounts and overstepping the mark by mistake? Is the platform buckling to pressure from influential sources? Or is it simply a mistake and Crypto Crow will have his account back in no time? Either way, this highlights the threat of centralized platforms–in whatever form they take.
What do make of Youtube now completely removing crypto influencer accounts without warning? Add your thoughts below!
Images via Shutterstock, Twitter @bgarlinghouse @TheMoonCarl