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As part of its broader efforts to maximize diversity and representation on its platform, YouTube this week announced the first participants in its #YouTubeBlack Voices program, which is part of a Multi-year, $ 100 million project first announced in June, following the #BlackLivesMatter protests.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcVcqURHZRA
According to YouTube:
“AAlmost many months of collaboration, we’re shining the spotlight on the #YouTubeBlack Voices Class of 2021 – a group of 132 creators and artists whose talents are as diverse as their hometowns. Hailing from the United States, Kenya, United Kingdom, Brazil, Australia, South Africa and Nigeria, this incredible group includes musicians, beauty entrepreneurs, comedians, activists, poets, personal trainers, teachers, parents, photographers, etc. “
The program will provide support and funding to help attendees grow their YouTube channels, as well as content development assistance and advice. YouTube also seeks to “support and connect with the diaspora and black communities around the world through a wide range of programs and events” which will also be linked to the #YouTubeBlack Voices program.
As noted, the initiative will help YouTube maximize representation and diversity on its platform, while also seeking to eliminate cultural bias – which is also part of the motivation behind recent rule changes regarding hate comments.
Like Facebook, YouTube will also need to tackle potential algorithmic biases, with machine learning models adapting based on user input. This means that if users are inherently biased, so will systems, which is a big concern given the growing reliance on AI models and machine learning tools.
But the good news here is that online platforms can work to eliminate these biases by modifying their systems, which can change the way people see things. By modifying the content presented, social platforms can play an important role in ensuring better representation and reducing bias over time.
YouTube says it plans to help more than 500 creators around the world through the #YouTubeBlack Voices fund over the next few years.
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