YouTube users are complaining that the viral video site is suspending accounts that feature videos with children in them without stating why. So far, at least three channels--Jesari, YoungTubers and Galipoka--have been suspended, all featuring popular young YouTubers.
Is it age discrimination? Or is it overzealous enforcement of a child protection policy? A spokesman for YouTube's outside public relations firm said he would look into the matter and get back to CNET News.com. A Google spokesman directed all questions on the matter to YouTube.
According to the terms of service, people have to be over the age of 13 to register to use the service. YouTube user named Renetto created a very funny video in which he has a family discussion about the suspensions. Renetto tells his 10- and 11-year-old daughters that he needs to have a "very serious talk with them." "We already had that talk in school," one of his daughters says. "No, not that talk," Renetto responds. The non-chalance and silliness of his children as they eat dinner is priceless.
There are numerous other protest and tribute videos, including one entitled "Bring back Jesari and YoungTubers" that gives a good explanation of what happened to those accounts.
Tip of the hat to Philipp Lenssen at Google Blogoscoped for reporting on this and including the cusswords from the Renetto video in his post.