YouTube says it is now fixing a bug that allows users to use a fake upload date.
A new video started circulating on the video-sharing platform of Google, making it appear that it was uploaded on April 5, 2005. But it turns out to be a fake upload date, made possible by a bug.
YouTube Fake Upload Date Bug
As per a recent report by The Verge, a YouTube bug lets users post videos with incorrect upload dates, which makes them seem like they are older, but it turns out to be all fake.
The bug reportedly allows YouTube users to manipulate the upload date on their videos by simply changing the date settings on their devices, according to XDA Developers.
It is unclear how long this bug has existed. But it essentially allows users to make it seem like their videos were uploaded on a much later date. It is quite alarming as it might mislead or confuse some users.
Upon changing the setting on their device, the upload date on YouTube would automatically reflect the manipulated date. So even if a user uploaded a video yesterday, it would seem like it was posted on the video service decades ago.
New Oldest YouTube Video?
The Verge notes that the first-ever video on YouTube remains to be the clip entitled "Me at the zoo." It was uploaded on the video-sharing service back on April 23, 2005. It featured no less than the co-founder of the platform, Jawed Karim.
The video was like most vlogs these days, documenting the day of the YouTube co-founder when he visited the zoo. Karim was seen standing in front of some elephants.
However, a new video recently overtook the oldest video on the platform. The latest video, aptly entitled "Welcome to YouTube!!!" sported an older upload date, making it appear that it was posted last April 5, 2005. A few days earlier than the "Me at the zoo" clip.
But The Verge reports that it carried some red flags, suggesting that the upload date is fake.
For instance, a notice appeared on the video, saying "Live chat is disabled for this Premiere." Yet, this live chat feature was nonexistent way back in 2005.
What's more, the account that uploaded the video joined the platform in September 2005, months later before the "Welcome to YouTube!!!" clip was uploaded.
YouTube is Fixing the Upload Date Bug
The YouTube spokesperson, Kimberly Taylor, says they are already aware of the issue that allows users to manipulate their upload date. Taylor adds that they are "working on a fix" for the bug."
And on top of that, the spokesperson assured everyone that "the oldest video on YouTube will always be 'Me at the zoo.'"
