YouTube to start labelling state-backed videos

Video streaming website YouTube has announced a new feature where it will start labeling videos that are backed by state-funded broadcasters.

As per the new feature, a notice will appear below the video, and above the video’s title, and include a link to Wikipedia so viewers can learn more about the news broadcaster.

The company said that the new feature will provide transparency. Geoff Samek, Senior Product Manager, YouTube News wrote in a blog post, "Our goal is to equip users with additional information to help them better understand the sources of news content that they choose to watch on YouTube." He further added, "News is an important and growing vertical for us and we want to be sure to get it right, helping to grow news and support news publishers on YouTube in a responsible way. "

YouTube has faced increasing criticism over the past year for how they selectively filter content that comes from questionable sources, and those that promote propaganda or conspiracy theories.

The feature has now rolled out for US users.