Photo Credit: Joe Mabel / CC by 3.0
After announcing a $100 million fund to amplify black artists, Questlove asks YouTube if that includes not copyright-striking his own music.
YouTube first announced the $100 million initiative on June 11th. CEO Susan Wojcicki says the fund will support the creation of new YouTube Originals developed by black creators. “We’re committed to doing better as a platform to center and amplify black voices and perspectives,” she said in the blog post.
But not all creators are happy with the news. Questlove took to Twitter to throw some shade at YouTube for its questionable copyright enforcement.
“Does this include not red-flagging my DJ sets?” he asked on Twitter. “I’m not doing BTS numbers, but I know DJs are saving people from doing something self-destructive in the night. The flagging is so bad I got warnings for playing my own music I created,” he finishes.
Other DJs complaining include D-Nice, Cut Chemist, and DJ Premier. Even 21 Savage experienced a similar copyright issue after a popular Twitch streamer received permission from the rapper to play his music.
The YouTube blog post announcing the initiative says YouTube will continue to combat hate and harassment on the platform. YouTube says their commitment includes oversight over viewers watching content and content creators who make new content.
YouTube has come under fire in recent years for its recommendation algorithms, creating echo chambers.
These echo chambers quickly radicalize viewers who consume more and more conspiracy content. It’s the reason why Pizzagate and QAnon conspiracies have been allowed to thrive in daylight. Instead of fighting hate, YouTube’s algorithm successfully links together several far-right communities.
YouTube also keeps viewers in lock-step to keep conservative viewers engaged with the platform. YouTube says it has adjusted its algorithm in 2016, 2017, and 2018, but are the results any different? The short answer to that question is no.
Maybe instead of copyright striking artists who play their own music live – YouTube should do more to combat hate.
Thousands and thousands of my songs up on Youtube and Youtube makes more money than me from my songs! Wow! What a great Platform for musicians! Who allowed this Pirate site to destroy what was once a healthy music business. And the fans all think they are doing us a favor when they Upload our songs on YouTube without our permission!! Well, I blame our Unions and the Govt for doing nothing to stop this. Methinks somebody got paid off to let this happen. Maybe all wine should be free on Youtube then see how the Wineries stay in business!!