The temporary suspension, which came into effect on 29 July, would prevent Sky News Australia from uploading videos on YouTube for a week.
The Google-owned video-sharing platform has temporarily suspended Sky News Australia for spreading COVID-19 related misinformation. This temporary ban would be a significant barrier for the publication to reach its audience, as YouTube accounts for half of Sky News Australia's digital reach.
Sky News Australia has around 1.86 million subscribers to its channel on YouTube. The website said the news channel was spreading misinformation, claiming, "Hydroxychloroquine" is an effective treatment for COVID-19, which YouTube explicitly prohibits.
A YouTube spokesperson said, "We apply our policies equally for everyone regardless of uploader, and in accordance with these policies and our long-standing strikes system". The videos have been removed, and a strike has also been issued to Sky News Australia.
[3 minute read]
