YouTube has announced it will allow creators previously removed for spreading so-called “misinformation” to return to the platform. The decision includes individuals penalized for content related to COVID-19 and election-related claims.

Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) stated that Google, YouTube’s parent company, has committed to re-enabling creators banned for political speech violations. A letter from Alphabet, obtained by Jordan, cited the need to “value conservative voices” and acknowledged the role of these creators in shaping public discourse. The document noted that channels were removed for repeated breaches of policies on elections integrity and COVID-19 content between 2023 and 2024.

YouTube’s updated guidelines now permit broader discussion on these topics, according to the letter. It stated the company would offer reinstatement to creators penalized under outdated rules. Jordan criticized the Biden administration for allegedly pressuring YouTube to suppress political debate during its tenure, calling such actions “unacceptable and wrong.” He claimed YouTube is now reversing censorship policies, including restrictions on discussions about COVID-19 and elections.

Prominent figures such as Steve Bannon, FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino, and White House counterterrorism chief Sebastian Gorka had previously been banned from the platform. The letter attributed pressure on Alphabet to remove non-violative content to “senior Biden Administration officials,” including White House representatives.

YouTube also announced it would stop using third-party fact-checkers to moderate speech, vowing to prioritize free expression. While the platform has previously included context panels linking to independent fact checks, it now claims no longer to rely on external moderators. The policy shift comes as other tech companies have similarly revised their approaches to content moderation.