Uploaded May 2007 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
JustA11en raised some good points about Youtube's mighty banhammer. Youtube often suspends accounts without warning and sometimes for reasons that are hard to figure out. Youtube should change its policy to send warning notes where possible so that content providers have a chance to correct their behavior. This would be especially helpful since some of definitions in the Terms of Service are ambiguous and subject to interpretation. Most people don't want to step over the line, but it is hard to avoid stepping over the line if you don't know where the line is.
For example, what is harassment? Is it harassment if you document other Youtuber's violations and inappropriate behavior?
Theestranger just made a video questioning whether Mr. Safety was running a scam. Is this allowed, or is it considered harassment? Was Trevor Rieger banned because he exposed GreenTeaGirlie as a viral video marketing campaign? What exactly is against the rules?
And if Youtube suspends an account it would be a good idea for them to send an email explaining why the account was suspended. This accomplishes two things:
1) It allows a user to know why his account was suspended, and this in turn, will allow him to send Youtube additional information that they may not have had when deciding to suspend his account. Youtube could have made a mistake if they did not have all the information to put a video in the proper context. Having specific information as to why their account was banned will help a user provide Youtube with the information necessary to put the video in context.
2) It provides documentation that Youtube may find useful should they ever be hauled into court on a frivolous lawsuit.
3) It may prevent frivolous lawsuits in the first place. NewWarriorMan has hinted that he may sue Youtube for violating his First Amendment rights.
youtube.com/watch?v=Kw3ezoH06_k
youtube.com/watch?v=JKXFaOq0PvI
I don't know if he will actually sue Youtube. He never said he would—it was only a hint. Still, I suspect he would be less inclined to sue if he knew specifically what video or comment led to the suspension and if he had the opportunity to put it in context.
For more information on why Nick Gisburne permanent banishment is questioned by many, see:
youtube.com/watch?v=By6aqz_79Uc
JustA11en raised some good points about Youtube's mighty banhammer. Youtube often suspends accounts without warning and sometimes for reasons that are hard to figure out. Youtube should change its policy to send warning notes where possible so that content providers have a chance to correct their behavior. This would be especially helpful since some of definitions in the Terms of Service are ambiguous and subject to interpretation. Most people don't want to step over the line, but it is hard to avoid stepping over the line if you don't know where the line is.
For example, what is harassment? Is it harassment if you document other Youtuber's violations and inappropriate behavior?
Theestranger just made a video questioning whether Mr. Safety was running a scam. Is this allowed, or is it considered harassment? Was Trevor Rieger banned because he exposed GreenTeaGirlie as a viral video marketing campaign? What exactly is against the rules?
And if Youtube suspends an account it would be a good idea for them to send an email explaining why the account was suspended. This accomplishes two things:
1) It allows a user to know why his account was suspended, and this in turn, will allow him to send Youtube additional information that they may not have had when deciding to suspend his account. Youtube could have made a mistake if they did not have all the information to put a video in the proper context. Having specific information as to why their account was banned will help a user provide Youtube with the information necessary to put the video in context.
2) It provides documentation that Youtube may find useful should they ever be hauled into court on a frivolous lawsuit.
3) It may prevent frivolous lawsuits in the first place. NewWarriorMan has hinted that he may sue Youtube for violating his First Amendment rights.
youtube.com/watch?v=Kw3ezoH06_k
youtube.com/watch?v=JKXFaOq0PvI
I don't know if he will actually sue Youtube. He never said he would—it was only a hint. Still, I suspect he would be less inclined to sue if he knew specifically what video or comment led to the suspension and if he had the opportunity to put it in context.
For more information on why Nick Gisburne permanent banishment is questioned by many, see:
youtube.com/watch?v=By6aqz_79Uc
