Google, through its parent company Alphabet, disclosed to House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan that senior Biden administration officials repeatedly pressured the company to remove COVID-19-related content, even when it did not violate platform rules.
In response, YouTube announced it will allow previously banned accounts to return, including creators removed for political speech or COVID-19 content—potentially restoring access for previously silenced conservative voices.
The company stressed that while it maintained independent policy enforcement, repeated government outreach sought to influence moderation decisions.
Alphabet described the pressure as “unacceptable” and emphasized its defense of free speech under the First Amendment.
Creators whose channels were removed under now-obsolete rules will have the opportunity to restore their accounts.
Prominent figures affected by prior bans include FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino, White House adviser Sebastian Gorka and podcast host Steve Bannon, all removed in recent years for COVID-19 or election-related content.
Conservative critics argue these removals disproportionately targeted voices critical of the Biden administration, highlighting concerns that government pressure on tech platforms undermines the free flow of information.
Content creators responded immediately, according to The Post Millennial.
Tim Pool, host of TimcastIRL, requested YouTube restore a three-year-old episode featuring Alex Jones and Joe Rogan, previously