The YouTube Heroes Controversy erupted in late 2016 when YouTube introduced a gamified program that rewarded volunteer users for flagging inappropriate content, adding captions, and answering community questions. The internet, led by prominent creators like h3h3Productions and Cr1TiKaL, immediately slammed the program, fearing it would empower 'internet police' to engage in mass censorship and unfair reporting. Memes surrounding the controversy typically parody the program's overly cheerful animation style or mock the idea of 'super-snitches' patrolling the platform for free. It remains a landmark moment in YouTube history, representing the friction between corporate moderation efforts and the community's desire for free expression.