YouTube plans to verify healthcare professionals posting content

YouTube is making moves to tackle healthcare misinformation on its platform. The video content platform will verify healthcare professionals on its site as a way to ensure that high-quality health information is available to people. 

YouTube already had the features in place but they were only available to educational institutions, public health departments, and government bodies. This will now open the door to other medical professionals and individuals creating healthcare content. 

Those hoping to get verified will need to submit proof of their medical license and follow best practices for sharing health information as decided by the Council of Medical Specialty Societies, the National Academy of Medicine, and the World Health Organization. 

YouTube may expand the verification program to other markets. The platform has long been criticized for its part in spreading misinformation, so this could bode well for helping the site provide reliable information instead of spreading unsupported medical advice and snake oil remedies.