I have been a dedicated YouTube user for over a decade, and it truly pains me to see the direction the platform has taken since Neal Mohan assumed the role of CEO. What once was a community-driven and creative space has become increasingly frustrating for many creators and users alike, including myself. We’ve seen a decline in user satisfaction, attributions that one might look towards recent policy changes, and an underlying sense that creative freedom is being stifled in pursuit of monetization at any cost.

One of the most alarming changes under Mohan's leadership has been the increased censorship, with content creators finding their work demonetized with little explanation or logic. According to data by Social Blade, YouTube has seen a 15% rise in demonetization disputes since 2022 alone. Creators are being discouraged by not only the inconsistent enforcement of guidelines but also by an opaque appeals process, leading to financial instability—especially for those relying on YouTube as their primary source of income.

Moreover, it is concerning how the recommendation algorithm is prioritizing profit over content quality, with detrimental effects on smaller creators who can't compete against pre-packaged commercial content. The platform reported a 25% increase in channel closures from small creators this year, an alarming trend that reflects systemic issues in platform management that favor corporate over community-first initiatives.

We need leadership at YouTube that values creativity, transparency, and user community. Instead of catering to big business and sponsors at the expense of the everyman creator, YouTube should be seeking innovative, balanced approaches that allow for constructive policymaking that reflects creator feedback and priorities.

We are calling on the board of directors at Alphabet Inc. to consider a change in leadership for YouTube, one that will hold true to the platform's original mission of fostering free expression and creativity. Neal Mohan's tenure has so far not aligned with these values, and as users and stakeholders, we deserve better.

Please sign this petition to express our shared concern and to make a collective plea for a CEO who will stand with creators, not over them. Together, our voices can inspire change and restore YouTube to a community that values creators and their freedom.