Mystery behind YouTube's finfluencer video takedown

Platform cites complaints from a 'govt entity', drawing criticism from creators and analysts

- Pratishtha Bagai & Neha Joshi

YouTube has begun blocking access to videos from several financial influencers and some registered analysts in India after receiving "complaints from a government entity." The sudden removal of these videos—many of which include market, personal finance, and financial content—has sparked sharp criticism from influencers, some of whom are now considering legal action.

Influencers, who rely on platforms like YouTube to share content related to personal finance, market trends, and stock recommendations, have reported that their videos were blocked without prior notice. Mint obtained a copy of a notice sent by YouTube after the videos were removed, which stated that YouTube had received a "legal complaint from a government entity regarding the content."

It added: "After review, the following content has been blocked from view on the YouTube country site 'India'. If your content was restricted in error, please let us know. You can submit the form only once per video URL."

Data on the number of financial influencers and analysts registered with the Securities and Exchange Board of India affected by YouTube's move wasn't available.