YouTube has introduced a verification system in the UK for healthcare workers in an effort to combat online disinformation. Health-related videos on the platform were viewed more than three billion times in the UK in 2022 alone. To be eligible for the scheme, doctors, nurses, and psychologists have been applying since June and must meet rigorous criteria set by YouTube. Successful applicants will receive a badge under their name, indicating them as genuine licensed healthcare workers.
However, it’s important to note that this system is meant for educational purposes and is not intended to replace medical advice from a general practitioner (GP). Vishaal Virani, who leads health content for YouTube, emphasized the importance of providing rigor and credibility to healthcare information accessible on the platform.
YouTube’s new approach involves displaying a “health shelf” at the top of search results for health topics, containing videos from validated healthcare sources. This move is part of YouTube’s efforts to combat false health information in videos, especially concerning vaccinations. The company previously banned disinformation about vaccinations after facing criticism for its handling of Covid-19 vaccine-related misinformation.
Validation for healthcare professionals on YouTube involves a multi-step process in collaboration with medical organizations like the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges (AoMRC) and the NHS. These YouTubers must hold an active medical license and have no history of posting videos containing disinformation. Violations of these rules may result in the loss of validation status or even the suspension of YouTube accounts for severe offenses.
Alastair Henderson, former CEO of the AoMRC, suggested that providing false information could breach the expectations of medical regulators. He expressed hope that other social media platforms would adopt similar practices if YouTube’s efforts prove successful.
