YouTube removes controversial interview for vaccine misinformation

The platform has taken down a video interview between Jordan Peterson and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. where they made false claims about vaccines approved by health authorities.

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YouTube has confirmed that it removed a video interview between Jordan Peterson and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The video was taken down because it violated YouTube’s policy on vaccine misinformation. The interview featured both Peterson and Kennedy Jr. criticising COVID-19 lockdowns and vaccine mandates. 

Kennedy Jr. made claims linking ‘chemical exposures’ to ‘sexual dysphoria’ in children, which have been debunked. The conversation also touched on the effects of lockdowns and vaccine mandates on young people. Kennedy Jr. has a history of opposing vaccine mandates and promoting debunked theories about vaccines causing autism. 

YouTube’s policy prohibits false claims about vaccines approved by health authorities. After the removal, Kennedy Jr. thanked Elon Musk, owner of Twitter, for allowing the full episode to be shared on that platform. Peterson accused YouTube of interfering in the 2024 election. This comes amid ongoing criticism of the platform’s change in election policy.