Popular CS:GO YouTuber Receives False Warning for Promoting Gambling
Deepak Jangra
June 3, - HOUNGOUNGAGNE, also known as Yeff in the gaming community and a popular CS:GO YouTuber, has found himself at the center of controversy after his YouTube channel received a warning for allegedly promoting gambling. The warning, which Yeff insists is false, has raised concerns about the platform's content moderation practices.
On June 1, 2023, Yeff took to Twitter to express his frustration, revealing that his YouTube channel had been flagged for promoting gambling. Ironically, the warning was triggered by a video he had uploaded discussing the negative consequences and dangers of gambling. Yeff aimed to inform and prevent people from engaging in such activities.
The warning carries serious implications for Yeff's channel. Not only will it permanently display a warning, but his future videos are now more susceptible to demonetization. Even if a video is mistakenly flagged, it could result in an instant seven-day ban or a copyright strike against his channel.
Look.... Youtube...
— Yeff (@HOUNGOUNGAGNE) June 1, 2023
I've made a video talking about the harms of gambling.
It is literally designed to PREVENT and INFORM people to NOT GO AND GAMBLE.
IT IS NOT A PROMOTION OF UNREGULATED GOODS
PLEASE UNDERSTAND WE CAN TALK ABOUT SUBJECT WITHOUT ENDORSING OR PROMOTING IT pic.twitter.com/TGRs6VKzQ8
HOUNGOUNGAGNE's educational video on the harms of gambling in CS:GO flagged by YouTube
To make matters worse, YouTube took down the video in question, citing a violation of community guidelines. Yeff promptly responded, appealing to the YouTube team, explaining that the video was not promoting gambling but rather educating viewers about its hazards within the context of CS:GO.
However, Yeff received the disappointing response from YouTube, stating, "We've looked at your content again carefully, and confirmed that it does violate Community Guidelines. It will not be available on YouTube." Frustrated, Yeff shared the appeal rejection screenshot on Twitter, along with a plea to YouTube, emphasizing that discussing a subject does not equate to endorsing or promoting it.
Later that day, Yeff posted additional screenshots of his conversation with the YouTube support team, revealing that his channel would carry a lifetime warning for promoting gambling. This warning, however, stemmed from a video explicitly created to educate viewers about the dangers of gambling and discourage participation. Yeff expressed his disbelief, stating, "I will have a lifetime warning on my YouTube channel for promoting gambling... On a video I've made to educate and inform people on the harms of gambling. Telling them NOT to gamble. I have never promoted gambling once in my life, and this is what happens. I don't have words."
I will have a lifetime warning on my youtube channel for promoting gambling... On a video I've made to educate and inform people on the harms of gambling.
— Yeff (@HOUNGOUNGAGNE) June 1, 2023
Telling them NOT to gamble.
I have never promoted gambling once in my life and this is what happens.
I don't have words. pic.twitter.com/yCsDNR6saz
The screenshots of the conversation with the YouTube moderator depicted their inability to overturn the decision, acknowledging Yeff's intentions but offering advice to avoid similar violations in the future. The moderator expressed regret that the warning would remain on Yeff's channel for a lifetime but assured him that it would not impact future engagements or applications.
Yeff responded to the support team, acknowledging their position within the company's policies but expressing his frustration with the situation. Despite his efforts to educate and spread awareness about the risks of gambling, he found himself facing a lifetime warning.
HOUNGOUNGAGNE is well-known for turning down lucrative gambling promotions in the CS:GO community, demonstrating his commitment to responsible content creation. Yet, he now faces an unjust warning on his YouTube channel for advocating against gambling.
The situation is ridiculous and I have no one to turn myself to for help. pic.twitter.com/csG3cIj0dE
— Yeff (@HOUNGOUNGAGNE) June 2, 2023
On June 2, 2023, Yeff shared his continued struggles, revealing that even the video he created to address the issue was flagged and removed. Frustrated and at a loss for words, he posted a brief two-minute video on Twitter, further discussing the situation and calling attention to the challenges he faces.
Even the video I've made to talk about the issue is getting flagged.
— Yeff (@HOUNGOUNGAGNE) June 2, 2023
I'm at a loss for words pic.twitter.com/TAHx4lnbHU
The incident involving HOUNGOUNGAGNE highlights the complexities of content moderation on platforms like YouTube. As the debate over the platform's policies and the potential for false warnings continues, the impact on content creators who seek to educate and inform the community remains a subject of concern.