Bloggers who were blocked on YouTube for violating the rules will now be able to request a "second chance"

YouTube has announced the launch of a pilot program that allows creators whose channels have been permanently suspended for policy violations to apply to create a new YouTube channel.

The platform's blog notes that many blocked authors deserve a "second chance," as the platform has evolved and changed over the past 20 years, and has repeatedly had the opportunity to rebuild trust and build relationships with its community.

YouTube clarified that when considering applications, the severity and systematic nature of the violations, as well as the potential harm to the community, will be taken into account. Channels that have threatened the safety of children or violated copyrights will not be able to apply for reinstatement. Those who have deleted their channel or Google account on their own will also not be able to use the program.

You can only submit an application one year after the blocking, although during this time, authors have the right to appeal the blocking decision.

If approved, the creator will be able to create a new channel from scratch, rather than accessing an already blocked one. At the same time, they will have the right to re-upload any of their previous videos, but only those that comply with the current Community Guidelines. Owners of these new channels will also be able to re-apply for content monetization if the channel meets the criteria for the partner program.

The first creators can apply to participate in the pilot restoration program, which will run for several weeks, starting October 9. You can do this through the corresponding option in the desktop version of YouTube Studio for your suspended channel. YouTube also plans to expand the restoration program to more creators in the coming months.

YouTube previously announced plans to allow creators whose channels were previously banned for spreading misinformation about Covid-19 or the election to apply for reinstatement. The policy change comes amid pressure from Republicans demanding that tech companies lift restrictions imposed by the Biden administration on content about vaccines and the election.