YouTube to update Terms of Service next month

YouTube is updating its Terms of Service next month; can terminate access to services if the account is 'no longer commercially viable'.

YouTube has changed quite a few things in the new terms and services that will go into effect on December 10, 2019. These include a section on key responsibilities of parents who allow children to use YouTube, among other details.

However, what has really stood out in the creator community is that the video streaming giant may "terminate your use of the Services, or your Google account’s access to all or part of the Service if YouTube believes, in its sole discretion, that provision of the Service to you is no longer commercially viable."

YouTube hasn't elaborated the length and breadth of what comprises as 'provision of the service not being commercially viable.' This could simply imply that YouTube can deactivate channels that are not generating revenue, leaving creators in a lurch. The current terms & services do not use this language.

YouTube slots its creators in four categories: Graphite (1 to 1K subscribers), Opal (1K to 10K subscribers), Brozone (10K to 100K subscribers) and Silver and Up (100K+ subscribers). Creators in the lower subscriber count categories are upset about the changes, fearing their future on the platform.

Also Read: YouTube revamps desktop look, makes thumbnails bigger

"YouTube is constantly changing and improving the Service. We may also need to alter or discontinue the Service, or any part of it, in order to make performance or security improvements, change functionality and features, make changes to comply with law, or prevent illegal activities on or abuse of our systems," says YouTube.

Part of the terms of services further reads: These changes may affect all users, some users or even an individual user.  Whenever reasonably possible, we will provide notice when we discontinue or make material changes to our Service that will have an adverse impact on the use of our Service. However, you understand and agree that there will be times when we make such changes without notice, such as where we feel we need to take action to improve the security and operability of our Service, prevent abuse, or comply with legal requirements.

YouTube is said to be updating the terms & services to make it easier to read for creators and consumers.