YouTube is changing the way it penalises users that breach its community guidelines, by simplifying the three-strike policy it enforces with more consistent punishments.

The Google-owned video sharing platform said it was updating the strikes in response to confusion about the penalties, with many claiming the punishment did not match up to the problem.

For example, in the old policy, the first strike would come with a 90-day freeze on live streaming, whether the offending content was a result of a live stream or not.

The second strike would result in a two-week freeze on new video uploads.

From February 25, YouTube is making the punishments more consistent, starting with a warning the first time any content crosses the line before any strikes kick in, though the offending content will still be removed.

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The first strike will now involve a one-week freeze on uploading any forms of content to the platform, and if the person offends again within 90 days, the second strike will come into force with a two-week freeze, also covering any type of material uploaded.

Strikes expire after 90 days.

As previously, if the user continues to break the rules, a third-strike within 90 days will result in their channel being terminated.

"Our strikes system is an important way for us to help creators and artists understand when they've crossed the line by uploading content that undermines that goal, and your feedback has helped to make this system work better for the entire community," YouTube said.

"We'll build on this and all the progress we've made over the last year by continuing to consult with you as we strengthen enforcement and update our policies."

YouTube said 98 per cent of users never break its community guidelines, and only 94% of those who do receive a first strike never get a second one.

The Herald: FirstGroup has had a Brexit boost.

Transport giant FirstGroup has revealed slowing rail revenue growth after admitting a "disappointing" service for passengers amid strike action on South Western Railway.

The group said like-for-like rail passenger revenue growth slowed to 4.2 per cent between September and January as "significant infrastructure challenges" added to widespread disruption from the industrial dispute over guards on trains.

It said passengers were also impacted by several "operating incidents" on South Western Railway.

The revenue growth marks a slowdown on the 5.5% reported for the first six months, excluding SWR.

FirstGroup said the challenges it has been facing in rail "resulted in disappointing operating performance for passengers towards the end of 2018".

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But it added: "We are working constructively with our industry partners to improve our operating performance and are encouraged with the improvements made since the start of 2019."

Shares in FirstGroup lifted 2% as it said underlying group revenues rose 5.5% in the 10 months of its financial year so far.

In the last four months, it said its largest division - First Student - saw revenues rise 6.2%, while its bus arm saw revenues lift 1.3% and the Greyhound bus service in the US recorded growth of 0.2%.

Matthew Gregory, chief executive of FirstGroup, said: "Recognising that overall conditions in our markets remain uncertain, and poor weather retains the potential to affect our performance, we are getting on with delivering plans that will improve services for customers."

Banking giant Barclays has ramped up measures to help small businesses navigate the risks posed by continued Brexit uncertainty.

The lender is to hold more than 100 clinics across the UK from March to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) cope with the raft of outcomes for Britain's impending departure from the European Union.

Chief executive Jes Staley said: "Barclays is fully prepared for any Brexit scenario, and we stand ready to help our clients through this period too."

The move comes with Parliament in a deadlock over Brexit with MPs having rejected Prime Minister Theresa May's deal, and with just over a month to go before Britain leaves the bloc on March 29.