In an effort to protect the safety of children on the platform, YouTube is taking measures that could potentially reflect negatively on the overall on-platform engagement.

YouTube is disabling comments on videos featuring minors amid reports of comments encouraging predatory behavior.

A Google representative has commented on the matter as follows:

“Now, we will begin suspending comments on most videos that feature minors, with the exception of a small number of channels that actively moderate their comments and take additional steps to protect children. We understand that comments are an important way creators build and connect with their audiences; we also know that this is the right thing to do to protect the YouTube community.”

Read more here.