A VTuber's YouTube channel, linked to a Brand Account, was requested to verify ownership via phone number. Upon doing so, the channel's name and icon were permanently changed to match the Google account associated with the phone number, completely overwriting the VTuber's branding. YouTube support has been unhelpful, claiming this is intended behavior. The VTuber is seeking community support and attention to the issue, warning others with Brand Accounts to avoid phone verification, as it risks irreversible damage to their channel identity.
A Reddit user, posting in the Virtual YouTubers subreddit, recounts a distressing experience involving YouTube's channel verification process. The user, who manages a channel dedicated to virtual YouTubers (VTubers), explains that YouTube prompted them to verify their phone number associated with the channel. Upon complying with this seemingly routine request, the user encountered a significant and irreversible issue. YouTube, rather than simply verifying the channel, proceeded to overwrite the channel's brand account information with the user's personal Google account details. This action replaced the channel's dedicated brand name and associated email address with the user's personal information. The user emphasizes the permanence of this change, stating that there appears to be no method to revert to the original brand account details. This has caused considerable distress, as the channel is now effectively tied to the user's personal identity, compromising the intended separation between the individual and the VTuber persona the channel represents. The user urgently requests assistance from the community, seeking any possible solutions or avenues to rectify the situation and restore the channel to its previous state. The incident highlights a potentially serious flaw in YouTube's verification system, where a seemingly innocuous security measure has resulted in the unintended and irreparable alteration of channel ownership and identity.
Summary of Comments ( 203 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43073836
HN commenters were largely skeptical of the YouTuber's claims, suspecting they had misunderstood or misrepresented the situation. Several pointed out that YouTube likely wouldn't overwrite an existing Google account with a brand account's information and suggested the user had accidentally created a new account or merged accounts unintentionally. Some offered technical explanations of how brand accounts function, highlighting the separation between personal and brand channel data. Others criticized the YouTuber for not contacting YouTube support directly and relying on Reddit for technical assistance. A few commenters expressed general frustration with YouTube's account management system, but most focused on the plausibility of the original poster's story.
The Hacker News post titled "YouTube asks channel owner to verify phone, permanently overwrites personal info" (linking to a Reddit post about a VTuber's issues with YouTube account recovery) has several comments discussing the implications of the situation. Many express concern over YouTube's account recovery and verification systems.
One commenter highlights the powerlessness content creators face against platform decisions, stating that YouTube holds all the cards and can effectively hold a creator's livelihood hostage. They express frustration at the lack of recourse and the difficulty in reasoning with YouTube support.
Another commenter focuses on the technical aspect, suggesting that the issue might stem from a database design flaw where the recovery phone number field overwrites the primary contact number. They speculate this could be due to a rushed implementation or a lack of proper testing.
Several comments express sympathy for the VTuber, acknowledging the significant impact losing their channel would have on their career and community. They criticize YouTube's seemingly arbitrary and unhelpful support processes.
The fragility of online identities and the dependence on platforms like YouTube is a recurring theme. Commenters lament the lack of control users have over their own content and accounts. One user suggests a decentralized alternative could be a solution, though acknowledges the difficulty in achieving such a system.
The discussion also touches upon the broader issue of data security and privacy, questioning YouTube's handling of personal information. The incident raises concerns about the potential for accidental or malicious data loss or alteration on the platform.
A few commenters offer practical advice, suggesting contacting YouTube support through different channels or seeking legal counsel. However, the overall sentiment reflects a sense of pessimism regarding the effectiveness of these actions.
Several commenters mention similar experiences with other online platforms, reinforcing the perception of a systemic problem with account security and recovery processes across the tech industry.
In summary, the comments section reveals widespread concern about YouTube's practices regarding account verification and recovery. The commenters express sympathy for the affected VTuber, criticize YouTube's opaque support system, and discuss the larger implications for content creators and online identity. The technical aspects of the issue are also touched upon, along with potential solutions and the broader context of data security and platform dependence.