Tech

YouTube cleans up act but toxic types have already changed the channel

The online video service swiftly moved to ‘demonetise’ Russell Brand but his and other controversial influencers’ content is still widely available

Russell Brand: went from espousing vaguely anti-austerity views to embracing ideas that sit well with global conspiracy theorists

YouTube has played a huge part in helping the likes of Andrew Tate and Russell Brand build audiences keen to hear their toxic messaging.

But increasingly the Google-owned video platform seems eager to shift its reputation as the last refuge for such commentators.

Last week it moved quickly to suspend Brand’s ability to earn money from the site following allegations of rape and sexual assault revealed in a Sunday Times and Channel 4 investigation. Brand ...