YouTube Reinstates Conspiracy Theorists Previously Banned During COVID-19, Citing Policy Revisions
SAN BRUNO, CA – September 24, 2025 – YouTube has begun reinstating channels previously banned for spreading misinformation during teh COVID-19 pandemic, including figures who promoted demonstrably false and risky cures. The platform’s reversal comes after a reassessment of its policies, with YouTube officials now claiming that advocating for treatments like drinking bleach, while harmful, does not inherently violate its community guidelines.
The reinstatement has sparked immediate controversy, raising concerns about the resurgence of health misinformation on the platform and the potential for real-world harm. YouTube initially removed numerous channels in 2020 and 2021 for violating policies against spreading medical misinformation related too COVID-19. A key justification for the original bans, according to YouTube at the time, was the promotion of unproven and possibly lethal treatments. However, a recent statement from a YouTube spokesperson indicated the prior actions were partially influenced by political considerations, specifically relating to then-president Joe Biden’s management.The spokesperson stated the initial blocks were enacted, in part, because of content critical of Biden.
“We’ve re-evaluated our approach and determined that simply stating something is a cure, even if demonstrably false and dangerous – like suggesting drinking bleach – isn’t automatically a violation of our rules,” the spokesperson explained. “Our policies are now focused more on direct calls for harmful actions and less on the promotion of unverified treatments.”
The move affects several high-profile conspiracy theorists who amassed large followings before their removal. While YouTube has not released a comprehensive list of reinstated channels, sources confirm that accounts previously flagged for promoting false COVID-19 cures are now active. The platform maintains it will continue to remove content that directly incites violence or poses an immediate threat to public safety, but the revised guidelines appear to offer greater latitude for the dissemination of misinformation.
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