YouTube has taken a major step by introducing new age restrictions and bans on videos containing gun. Starting from June 18, 2024, some gun videos will have age restrictions and some will be completely banned. Here are the details…
New age restrictions and bans on YouTube gun videos
From now on, YouTube videos featuring homemade guns and automatic firearms will be banned for viewers under the age of 18. This means that young people will not be able to access such content. Videos showing how to remove safety devices will be completely banned without age restrictions. Such videos will no longer be available on YouTube.
YouTube’s new policies stem from its efforts to adapt its content policies to current circumstances. With the increasing prevalence of 3D printing, restrictions on content related to homemade guns are expanding. YouTube spokesperson Javier Hernandez stated that these decisions were made following regular reviews with external experts. In short, YouTube is taking steps to enhance safety on the platform.
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YouTube clarified that these bans will apply to videos related to the actual use of firearms but not to video games, movie clips, or other artistic content. Additionally, exceptions may be made for content that serves the public interest, such as military or police footage, news videos, and war zone footage. Thus, some videos will still be viewable, but more sensitive content will be strictly monitored.
This decision came after a study conducted last year by the watchdog group Tech Transparency Project (TTP). TTP revealed that YouTube’s algorithms recommended gun-related content to child accounts. The study used fake accounts representing 9 and 14-year-olds to observe how YouTube recommended videos containing guns and violence.
TTP Director Katie Paul said, “YouTube’s age restriction on gun content is a step in the right direction, but it’s unclear why the company took so long to address this issue.” The effectiveness of these new rules will be important.
YouTube’s new age restrictions and bans on gun videos are a significant step toward making the platform’s content safer. Time will tell how these changes will be implemented and how effective they will be. What do you think about these new policies? Is YouTube’s move the right one? Don’t forget to share your comments with us…
