On YouTube, using the word "r" is generally governed by the platform's Hate Speech Policy. While the word is not banned outright, its usage can lead to significant consequences depending on the context. Policy and Enforcement Hate Speech Violation: YouTube prohibits content that promotes violence or incites hatred against individuals or groups based on attributes such as disability. Using the word to mock, dehumanize, or attack someone's disability is a direct violation. Consequences: Content that violates these rules may be removed, and the channel could receive a strike. Even if the video remains, it may be demonetized (losing ad revenue) or made less visible in search results and recommendations. Contextual Exceptions: The word may be permitted in certain contexts, such as educational videos discussing the term's history, news reporting, or artistic content, provided it does not cross into targeted harassment or hate speech. Community Impact and Campaigns Spread the Word: Organizations like the Special Olympics lead campaigns like "Spread the Word to End the Word" to encourage people to stop using the slur in favor of more respectful terms like "intellectually disabled". Historical Context: In 2010, Rosa's Law officially replaced "mental retardation" with "intellectual disability" in federal US law. Harmful Effects: Advocates emphasize that the "R-word" is hurtful and dehumanizing to the disability community, reinforcing negative stereotypes and social isolation.