India led the world in YouTube video takedowns in the last quarter of 2024, with over 2.9 million videos removed for violating the platform’s Community Guidelines. This accounts for nearly one-third of the global total of 9.4 million videos taken down between October and December 2024, according to YouTube’s latest Community Guidelines Enforcement report, released on March 7, 2025.
The report highlights a significant 32% surge in removals compared to the previous quarter, underscoring the growing concerns around misinformation, harmful content, and regulatory compliance. Brazil ranked second on the list, with over 1 million videos removed, followed by the United States and Indonesia. The report reflects YouTube’s increasing efforts to moderate content amid mounting pressure from governments worldwide to curb the spread of misinformation and other harmful material.
India’s position at the top of the takedown list is attributed to multiple factors, including stringent regulatory policies and increased scrutiny of digital platforms. The Indian government has consistently pushed for stronger content moderation, especially regarding fake news, hate speech, and politically sensitive topics. In 2023, the Indian government introduced new IT rules that granted it greater authority to direct social media platforms to remove content deemed inappropriate or misleading.
Additionally, the surge in removals coincides with an increase in reports filed by users and government agencies. YouTube’s automated detection systems, along with human reviewers, played a key role in identifying and removing videos violating its policies. The platform has also been tackling issues like child safety violations, copyright infringements, and deceptive practices.
While India led in video removals, the global trend indicates a broader push toward stricter content regulation. YouTube removed over 4.8 million channels worldwide in Q4 2024, many of which were found engaging in spam, scams, or violations related to misinformation.
As digital platforms face rising scrutiny, YouTube’s enforcement actions signal a shift toward a more regulated and accountable online ecosystem. The increasing takedown figures suggest that both governments and tech companies are intensifying their fight against harmful content, balancing free speech with responsible digital governance.
