🚫 Blacklist Appeals
Last updated
Last updated
This document outlines the internal procedure for handling appeals submitted by YouTube channels that were blacklisted from our network. It is intended to guide staff through the review process, ensuring consistency, fairness, and transparency when evaluating appeals.
Channels added to our network's blacklist have typically been removed from the network due to violations of our community guidelines, unethical conduct, or other serious infractions. However, we understand that situations can change, and we are open to considering appeals for those who believe their channel has been wrongfully blacklisted or have shown significant efforts to correct past issues.
The Appeal Review Committee is responsible for reviewing, evaluating, and deciding on the outcomes of appeals submitted by blacklisted YouTube channels. The committee consists of it's owners and community managers who will work together to make impartial decisions based on the information provided.
Review all submitted appeal forms within the designated timeframe.
Request additional information if the appeal form lacks clarity or sufficient evidence.
Ensure objectivity when assessing each case, considering the appeal on its merits rather than personal biases.
Document the decision and the reasoning behind it to maintain transparency.
Communicate the decision to the channel owner in a professional and respectful manner.
Initial Submission
All appeals are submitted through the official form available on the website or Discord server.
The appeal form must be completed in full, and any supporting evidence (videos, screenshots, etc.) must be attached before the review can begin.
Assigning the Appeal
Once an appeal is submitted, the committee lead will assign it to [specific team members or group] for an initial review.
Team members should read through the form and assess whether the appeal meets the basic eligibility criteria: acknowledgment of wrongdoing, corrective actions, and time elapsed since blacklisting.
Review Process
Thorough Evaluation: The committee will evaluate each section of the form, checking for:
Acknowledgement of Responsibility: Does the channel owner understand why they were blacklisted, and do they take accountability for their actions?
Evidence of Change: Are there substantial and verifiable efforts to correct the behaviour or content that led to the blacklisting?
Commitment to Future Compliance: Does the owner demonstrate a commitment to adhering to community standards going forward?
Clarification Requests: If there are any unclear points or missing details, the committee may reach out to the channel owner for clarification or additional documentation.
Making a Decision
Once the review is complete, the committee will discuss and decide one of three outcomes:
Appeal Approved: If the committee determines that the channel owner has taken sufficient steps to address the issues and shows a genuine commitment to change, the appeal may be approved.
Appeal Denied: If the channel owner has not shown adequate change, does not acknowledge their past violations, or continues to violate community standards, the appeal will be denied.
Conditional Approval: If the committee believes the channel owner has made progress but requires additional monitoring, a conditional approval may be granted, subject to a probationary period.
Finalizing and Communicating the Decision
Documentation: Each decision must be documented, including the reasoning behind the approval or denial. This documentation should be stored in a secure internal system for future reference.
Response to Channel Owner: A standardized response email or message will be sent to the channel owner, informing them of the committee’s decision. If denied, the response should provide a clear explanation and suggest a time frame for potential reapplication (if applicable).
Probationary Period (if conditional): If the appeal is conditionally approved, the committee will monitor the channel during the probationary period, checking for any violations or further issues.
To ensure fairness and consistency, keep these guidelines in mind when reviewing appeals:
Objective Decision-Making: Always base decisions on the facts and evidence provided. Avoid letting personal opinions or past history with the individual influence your judgment.
Transparency: Document every step of the process and your reasoning for approval or denial. This is important in case of future disputes or appeals.
Fair Treatment: Regardless of the severity of the original infraction, each appeal should be given full consideration, especially if the channel owner shows sincere efforts to improve.
Time Frame: Appeals must be processed within 7 business days. If additional time is needed due to complexity, the channel owner should be informed of any delays.
Collaboration: Appeals should be reviewed collaboratively, with multiple committee members involved in the decision to avoid any bias or one-sided judgments.
If it becomes evident that a channel owner has provided false information or fabricated evidence during the appeal process, the following steps should be taken:
Immediate Denial: The appeal should be denied immediately, with a clear explanation as to why (i.e., falsified evidence).
Permanent Blacklist: The channel may be permanently blacklisted without the opportunity for future appeals.
Documentation: Ensure this is thoroughly documented, and the channel owner is informed of the consequences of providing false information.
Reintegration for Approved Appeals:
If the appeal is approved, staff must reintegrate the YouTube channel into the network.
Notify the appropriate teams (community managers, event managers) to update any relevant listings or membership rosters.
Monitoring Probation (if applicable):
For channels granted conditional approval, staff will monitor activity during the probationary period. Any infractions or questionable behavior must be reported to the Appeal Review Committee immediately for reconsideration.
Record Keeping:
Maintain a record of all appeals, decisions, and related documentation in a centralized internal system for future reference.
For any questions or further clarification on the process, please contact the community manager; Jedson