YouTube, owned by Google, announced it will give content creators who were banned from the platform a second chance.

YouTube revealed the launch of a new feature for creators whose accounts were previously suspended, allowing them to apply to create a new channel, whereas previous rules led to permanent lifetime bans.

YouTube wrote in a blog post: “We know many excluded creators deserve a second chance,” adding, “We look forward to providing creators the opportunity to start fresh and bring their voice back to the platform,” according to a CNBC report reviewed by Al Arabiya Business.

Tech companies have faced months of scrutiny from House Republicans and former President Donald Trump, who accused platforms of political bias and excessive content moderation.

YouTube recently agreed to pay $24.5 million to settle a lawsuit related to the suspension of Trump’s account following the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot.

YouTube said this new option is separate from the existing appeals process. If an appeal is denied, creators can now apply to create a new channel.

Creators approved to create a new channel under the new process will start from scratch, without transferring any previous videos, subscribers, or monetization privileges from the old channel.

In the coming weeks, eligible creators will see an option to request a new channel when logging into YouTube Studio. Creators can only apply after one year has passed since their original channel was closed.

YouTube said it will review applications based on the severity and frequency of previous violations, also considering off-platform behaviors that may harm the community, such as activities endangering child safety.

The program excludes creators whose channels were closed due to copyright violations, content responsibility policy breaches, or those who deleted their accounts.

YouTube’s “second chance” process aligns with a broader trend at Google and other major platforms to ease strict content moderation rules imposed after the pandemic and 2020 elections.