YouTube (GOOGL  ) is removing numerous videos that go against advice given by the World Health Organization (W.H.O.) regarding COVID-19 and the coronavirus pandemic.

Some video removed don't violate policies since YouTube is relying more heavily on its reviewing algorithms to catch content in violation. When that happens, content creators can submit appeals and may not get banned considering the circumstances. However, not all removed videos are innocent bystanders.

Despite YouTube having strict rules governing what content is acceptable and unacceptable, many videos that violate site policies can still get a number of views before they're taken down. Some of those videos recently have included conspiracy theories related to COVID-19.

As YouTube begins to allow videos related to COVID-19 to monetize, the platform has reiterated examples of what these videos may not contain:

"Medical Misinformation: Content that misinforms users about health matters related to COVID-19. This includes content that encourages non-medical tests or exams for COVID-19, or false/unsubstantiated claims about the cause, promotion of dangerous remedies or cures, origin or spread of COVID-19 that contradict scientific consensus. Examples of this include:

  • Government or governments created the virus as a bioweapon
  • Corporations created the virus
  • COVID-19 is spread via 5G technology
  • COVID-19 targets certain ethnic groups
  • Content that claims that the pandemic is a hoax, cover-up or deliberate attack."
Unfortunately, misinformation regarding 5G technology has been linked to a recent series of attacks committed by arsonists against cell phone towers. In the United Kingdom (UK), nearly 80 towers have been burned by arsonists reportedly influenced by the unsubstantiated belief that 5G technology is responsible for the coronavirus pandemic.

"It's heart-rending enough that families cannot be there at the bedside of loved ones who are critically ill," Vodafone UK (VOD  ) CEO Nick Jeffrey said on LinkedIn. "It's even more upsetting that even the small solace of a phone or video call may now be denied them because of the selfish actions of a few deluded conspiracy theorists."