YouTube Suspends Ripple’s Tech Chief Days After XRP Scam Lawsuit Filing

Schwartz's channel was suspended for impersonation, but he's no idea why.

AccessTimeIconApr 29, 2020 at 10:42 a.m. UTC
Updated May 9, 2023 at 3:08 a.m. UTC
10 Years of Decentralizing the Future
May 29-31, 2024 - Austin, TexasThe biggest and most established global hub for everything crypto, blockchain and Web3.Register Now

YouTube has suspended the channel of Ripple CTO David Schwartz soon after the blockchain firm launched a lawsuit against it over XRP scams in videos.

Schwartz, who also goes by the online moniker "Joel Katz," said Wednesday morning YouTube had suspended his channel. "Weirdly, YouTube just decided to suspend my channel (SJoelKatz) for impersonation. I wonder who they think I was impersonating," he tweeted.

  • Fake BlackRock XRP Filing Reported to Delaware Department of Justice
    05:01
    Fake BlackRock XRP Filing Reported to Delaware Department of Justice
  • Bogus BlackRock Filing Briefly Sends XRP Higher; Disney to Launch NFT Platform With Dapper Labs
    02:13
    Bogus BlackRock Filing Briefly Sends XRP Higher; Disney to Launch NFT Platform With Dapper Labs
  • How a Fake BlackRock XRP Filing Seemingly Fooled Some ETF Watchers
    01:20
    How a Fake BlackRock XRP Filing Seemingly Fooled Some ETF Watchers
  • Fake BlackRock XRP Filing Spoofs ETF Watchers, Crypto Traders
    07:04
    Fake BlackRock XRP Filing Spoofs ETF Watchers, Crypto Traders
  • CoinDesk reached out to Schwartz for comment but received none at press time.

    YouTube can "terminate" channels that violate the platform's guidelines including for predatory behavior, hate speech, harassment as well as impersonation. Channel owners are prohibited from creating new channels, but they are allowed to submit an appeal request if they think their channel was suspended or terminated in error.

    Wednesday's events come a week after Ripple initiated a lawsuit against YouTube on allegations the platform had failed to prevent fake XRP giveaway scams on the platform. The filing states YouTube's unwillingness to suspend scam channels has led to users being defrauded out of hundreds of thousands of dollars, as well as reputational damage for Ripple.

    "Ripple has repeatedly demanded that YouTube take action to stop the Scam and prevent further harm. Yet, YouTube refuses, even where the same scheme is replicated time and again on its platform. YouTube’s response has been woefully inadequate and incomplete. As a result, Ripple and Mr. Garlinghouse continue to suffer substantial reputational harm," reads the lawsuit.

    Schwartz's channel was active for years so the timing of the suspension is interesting, given that it comes so close to the start of legal proceedings. Of course, it may be down to YouTube's moderation algorithms messing up again.

    CoinDesk approached YouTube for comment, but hadn't received a response by press time.

    Disclosure

    Please note that our privacy policy, terms of use, cookies, and do not sell my personal information has been updated.

    CoinDesk is an award-winning media outlet that covers the cryptocurrency industry. Its journalists abide by a strict set of editorial policies. In November 2023, CoinDesk was acquired by the Bullish group, owner of Bullish, a regulated, digital assets exchange. The Bullish group is majority-owned by Block.one; both companies have interests in a variety of blockchain and digital asset businesses and significant holdings of digital assets, including bitcoin. CoinDesk operates as an independent subsidiary with an editorial committee to protect journalistic independence. CoinDesk employees, including journalists, may receive options in the Bullish group as part of their compensation.


    Learn more about Consensus 2024, CoinDesk's longest-running and most influential event that brings together all sides of crypto, blockchain and Web3. Head to consensus.coindesk.com to register and buy your pass now.