YouTube is experimenting with a new algorithm designed to reduce the spread of potentially harmful videos in the UK.

The Google-owned video platform has been using the same tweak in the US for the past six months, where it is said to have resulted in a 50% drop in views from recommendations to so-called "borderline content".

Susan Wojcicki, chief executive at YouTube, has cited clips "claiming the earth is flat" and "making blatantly false claims about historic events like 9/11" as examples of content that should fall foul of the new algorithm.

Image: Susan Wojcicki is the chief executive of YouTube

According to Ms Wojcicki, users will be exposed to less "problematic" videos that "brush right up against our policy line" and "quality content has more of a chance to shine".

She announced the introduction of the algorithm in the UK in a blog post addressed to YouTube creators and artists, adding that it was also being tested in Ireland, South Africa and other English-language markets.


The pledge to reduce the spread of questionable videos was listed as one of four "Rs" to protect YouTube users, with the others being remove, raise up and rewarding.

Remove - a commitment to taking down content that violates YouTube policy as quickly as possible, including examples of hate speech and dangerous pranks and challenges.

Raise up - promote "authoritative voices" when people are searching for breaking news and information to ensure users are better informed.

Rewarding - setting a higher bar for what channels can make money, ensuring that the most "trusted, eligible" creators are those who have the best chance of revenue.

Ms Wojcicki has pledged to continue providing updates on how YouTube is working to crackdown on extremist content, but said the site would continue to be an open platform where a variety of views could flourish.

She wrote: "A commitment to openness is not easy. It sometimes means leaving up content that is outside the mainstream, controversial or even offensive.

"But I believe that hearing a broad range of perspectives ultimately makes us a stronger and more informed society, even if we disagree with some of those views."

She added: "A responsible approach toward managing what's on our platform protects our users and creators like you. It also means we can continue to foster all the good that comes from an open platform."

The blog post comes after a Sky News investigation found that Google is directing people towards misinformation and conspiracy theories by placing YouTube videos prominently in its search results.