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Isn’t the real problem that YouTube is basically a utility service, but one that makes a loss for the parent company. The discussion we should be making is not

Isn’t the real problem that YouTube is basically a utility service, but one that makes a loss for the parent company. The discussion we should be making is not if YouTube should censor people, but if it should be turned into a regulated utility like a phone or electricity company. Of course if this is decision we make don’t be surprised if Google shuts down the service.

Andrex 6y ago
YouTube contributed 10% to Google's revenue last year ($15 billion.) https://www.theverge.com/2020/2/3/21121207/youtube-google-alphabet-earnings-revenue-first-time-reveal-q4-2019 https://www.theverge.com/2020/2/3/21121207/youtube-google-al... YouTube has been break-even since 2014-2015[1]. The myth that YouTube is still somehow unprofitable needs to die. 1. https://www.wsj.com/articles/viewers-dont-add-up-to-profit-for-youtube-1424897967 https://www.wsj.com/articles/viewers-dont-add-up-to-profit-f...
- danieltillett 6y ago
  Yes YouTube may well be profitable as it is run now, but it may not be profitable if it was run as a utility.
  - Andrex 6y ago
    It shouldn't be run as a utility then. The web is open; another video site can be established by anyone. YouTube proves the model can be profitable. I'm not sure I'd treat YouTube's "monopoly" on internet video the same way as actual utilities have physical monopolies on their industries.
    - danieltillett 6y ago
      Internet video appears to be a natural monopoly given no one can even close to competing against Google.