Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak calls out YouTube over rampant scam videos

By Admin

11 Aug, 2025

Fighting Back Against Online Scams
Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak has been speaking out against tech giants over the growing problem of online scams exploiting his image and misleading unsuspecting users. In a recent interview with CBS, Wozniak reflected on how the internet once a revolutionary tool for empowerment has increasingly become fertile ground for fraud.

“The computer revolution I helped start was good until the internet offered new business models, in ways that companies exercise power over other people. That’s when some of the bad started happening,” he noted.

Bitcoin Scam Hits Close to Home
One of the most alarming cases involved a YouTube scam using edited clips of Wozniak discussing bitcoin. The fraudulent videos falsely promised to double any cryptocurrency sent to a displayed address. Victims collectively lost significant sums, including Jennifer Marion, who sent 0.9 bitcoin worth $59,000 at the time only to receive nothing in return.

Wozniak’s wife, Janet, explained that scammers added a fake frame in the video showing a bitcoin address alongside false claims. Despite repeated reports, the fraudulent videos stayed online. “YouTube is helping dupe people out of their money,” she told CBS.

Taking Big Tech to Court
In response, Wozniak sued YouTube on behalf of victims. However, the case has been stalled for five years due to Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act a 1996 law that shields online platforms from liability for third-party content. “It’s totally absolute,” Wozniak said, stressing that platforms currently bear no responsibility for such scams. Attorney Brian Danitz added that scams generate billions annually, with platforms failing to act quickly enough to remove them.

A Broader Internet Problem
Wozniak emphasized that this issue goes beyond YouTube, pointing to the widespread nature of scams across the internet ranging from spam and phishing to sophisticated AI-driven fraud. “There isn’t enough real muscle to fight it,” he warned. Victim Jennifer Marion echoed the sentiment, urging people not to assume that anything is safe just because it appears on a familiar platform.

From Democratization to Exploitation
Reflecting on the early days of the internet, Wozniak recalled its promise as a space where anyone could share knowledge without gatekeepers. While he once loved this openness, the rise of monetization models changed the landscape. “Companies figured out how to exploit it. Google had to make money, and the only way was tracking you and selling to advertisers,” he said.

FAQs

Q1: What scam targeted Steve Wozniak?
Scammers used edited YouTube videos of him discussing bitcoins, promising to double any cryptocurrency sent.

Q2: How much did victims lose?
Some lost their life savings; one victim reported losing $59,000.

Q3: Why can’t Steve Wozniak sue YouTube directly?
Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act shields online platforms from liability for user-generated content.

Q4: Has YouTube removed the fraudulent videos?
Victims and Wozniak say many remained online despite repeated reports.

Q5: What is Steve Wozniak calling for?
He is calling for stronger accountability from tech platforms to combat and prevent online scams.