YouTube issues a temporary suspension to Logan Paul’s ad revenue in hopes of setting an example

Just weeks after his international incident exploiting a suicide victim, Logan Paul is back at it again, this time abusing deceased animals as a form of entertainment. This has prompted YouTube to step in, issuing a punishment to the controversial content creator in hopes of setting an example.

Paul, whose 16 million subscriber count is primarily made up of a younger demographic, was brought into the limelight when posting a video of him discovering a suicide victim in Aokigahara Forest, Japan.

While the YouTuber went on to apologise for his actions, claiming his intentions were to raise awareness of suicide prevention, the content of the video showcased him laughing and joking next to the deceased in an insensitive manner. This caused Paul to take a month break from vlogging, returning with a full apology video before resuming regular content.

Although some claim that Paul’s apology video seemed sincere as the content creator claimed to have grown as an individual,his returning video “LOGAN PAUL IS BACK” simply shows him fixating on gaining subscribers during his time away rather than the damage he’s caused. YouTube seemed similarly hopeful that the content creator had changed, not issuing any form of punishment for his previous actions.

Now, however, it seems that Paul has crossed the platform’s line as his most recent video depicts him using a Taser against two deceased rats for some form of comedic effect. More to the point, this is an action that the YouTuber fully knows is controversial due to the reactions of his peers within the video, whether those reactions are real or acted.

YouTube has now stepped in to issue a “temporary” suspension of Paul’s ad revenue which is estimated to breach $1.2 million per month. This is a move that notable content creators such as Jacksepticeye are applauding as it sets an example, however many are still criticising YouTube for playing favourites among its content creators as the same actions would sooner see a smaller channel deleted.

In response to Logan Paul’s recent pattern of behavior, we’ve temporarily suspended ads on his channels.

— YouTube Creators (@YTCreators) February 9, 2018

“After careful consideration, we have decided to temporarily suspend ads on Logan Paul’s YouTube channels,” YouTube said in a statement made to The Verge. “This is not a decision we made lightly, however, we believe he has exhibited a pattern of behavior in his videos that makes his channel not only unsuitable for advertisers, but also potentially damaging to the broader creator community.”

The platform hasn’t given a time frame as to when Paul’s ad revenue will be renewed, but given its treatment of larger celebrities that the platform relies on for profit, it likely isn’t going to turn into an indefinite suspension like many hope.

KitGuru Says: While I can applaud YouTube for finally stepping in to set an example so that its bigger YouTubers don’t abuse their power and influence, I have to criticise that the platform is still playing favourites and showing a lot of leniency. Do you think YouTube doled out a suitable punishment?

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