YouTube has deleted David Icke’s channel, effectively silencing the outspoken and commonly-labeled conspiracy theorist on the platform. This represents the latest move by YouTube to decide what content and viewpoints are permitted on the platform.
Icke is not new to conspiracies and topics many feel less comfortable speaking about, however, Icke had remained accessible via platforms like YouTube and Facebook. That changed recently with claims surrounding 5G and coronavirus proving more than YouTube could handle. Much of the current situation started in early April when Icke appeared in an interview with London Real. During the interview, Icke made multiple coronavirus claims, including it is a “hoax,” that not as many are dying of the virus as suggested, and that 5G is part of the problem.
Originally live-streamed simultaneously on Facebook and YouTube, the video of the interview was removed by both platforms shortly afterwards. Since then, Icke was banned from Facebook, and now YouTube has followed suit by deleting Icke’s official channel. The reason cited for the channel removal is the disputing of the “existence and transmission of Covid-19 as described by the WHO and the NHS,” according to a statement by YouTube given to multiple outlets, including the BBC. Responding on Twitter, Icke argued that the official Twitter account is likely to be next as the “Big Tech all-connected Elite Mafia” continues to exert its control and silence certain voices. Icke also shared an image of the channel cancellation notice, which confirmed Icke is prohibited from creating any other YouTube channels in the future.
‘5G Caused Coronavirus’ & Freedom Of Speech Claims
Icke has not been the only one to recently link the COVID-19 outbreak to 5G. In spite of any real evidence, and much of the mainstream scientific community denouncing the claims, some argue that the spread of coronavirus marries with the rolling out of 5G networks across the globe. Again, while Icke has helped promote the idea, another video which surfaced on YouTube in March was one of the main instigators. In the video, Dr. Thomas Cowan, M.D. gave a talk and clearly suggested 5G was causing coronavirus. The video led to widespread interest in the topic and has since caused many to vandalize what they deem to be 5G cell towers, through fear they could also be spreading COVID-19.
YouTube’s approach to Icke is consistent with its general coronavirus rule changes that came into effect recently. YouTube made clear that any videos (or accounts) appearing to contradict the information provided by the World Health Organization were subject to removal. Since then, YouTube has been routinely deleting or demonetizing videos deemed in breach of the rules. However, the approach in general has raised questions over censorship and freedom of speech, with YouTube seemingly deciding what content and viewpoints users have access to, coronavirus or otherwise. Whether silencing – or deplatforming – people is the right way to go, it is arguably not an effective course. The internet is a large space and the original London Real interview can still be found online fairly easily, and YouTube is not prohibiting other people from uploading David Icke videos, just Icke himself.
