YouTube Bans Alex Jones and Nick Fuentes Again

In a surprising turn of events, just a day and a half after YouTube seemed to offer previously banned creators another chance, the platform has once again banned controversial figures Nick Fuentes and Alex Jones.

This development follows Rep. Jim Jordan from Ohio announcing his plans for policy reforms after Google, YouTube’s parent company, admitted that “pressure from the Biden administration” contributed to censoring certain political discussions.

In a message, Jordan clarified that “this channel is still against the rules for previously banned users to create new channels.” He emphasized Google’s commitment to allowing creators who had faced political speech violations a path back to the platform.

Both Infowars, associated with Jones, and Fuentes reportedly attempted to tap into new purported commitments by launching fresh YouTube channels. Infowars indicated that Fuentes initiated channels called Alexjoneslive and Realnickfuentes.

However, by Thursday morning, Infowars announced that the new channel was deleted. Meanwhile, some of Fuentes’ supporters noted that his channel was also taken down.

YouTube quickly responded to these claims, asserting that the pages weren’t deleted by mistake.

In a communication, YouTube reiterated, “To be clear, this channel has ended as previously terminated users still oppose the rules for starting a new channel. The pilot program for this termination is yet to be launched and will be limited.”

The platform also highlighted the need to clarify how these pilot programs work, who is eligible, and how creators can swiftly access them.

A representative for Rep. Jordan mentioned that the new program aims to extend opportunities to users affected by outdated policies. They noted that policies concerning COVID-19 and elections have seen the most rollback, disproportionately affecting conservatives.

Jordan’s office further explained that YouTube intended for the “limited” segment of the pilot to apply to users impacted by no longer enforced policies. They view this as a significant shift, claiming it’s the first time YouTube has altered its rules in such a way.

“However, the core facts remain unchanged,” the spokesperson pointed out. “Accounts penalized under now-defunct policies will be allowed to return.”

When asked about the timeline for the pilot program, Jordan’s team indicated they were uncertain but hoped for a larger announcement from YouTube soon, suggesting that people might return to the platform in the near future.

Fuentes expressed frustration over the deletion of his channel, questioning whether real free speech exists. He reflected on being banned since he was 21 back in February 2020.

In addressing the situation, he explained that starting a new account was Jones’ idea as a way to pressure YouTube, but it was gone within mere hours.

Vivek Ramaswamy, a Republican gubernatorial candidate for Ohio, stated that even though Fuentes may not agree with him, he finds the removal of his channel “un-American.” He stressed the importance of allowing diverse voices to be heard for the sake of the country.

As for YouTube, they have not yet responded to inquiries regarding the pilot program.