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Following increased advocacy for content regulation, YouTube has unveiled new measures to limit the presence of gun-related videos on its platform.
Starting 18 June, the platform will ban videos that show how to disable firearm safety features.
YouTube, a subsidiary of Google, will also restrict access to videos featuring DIY firearms and fully automatic weapons for viewers under 18.
Although some have praised these measures, activists are pressing YouTube to take “real action” to protect young viewers from harmful content that could normalize violence.
According to the NIHCM Foundation in Washington, gun-related injuries are the top cause of death among children and teens in the US since 2020.
The frequency of children being harmed or killed by firearms in the US hit unprecedented levels in 2022.
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Katie Paul, director of the Tech Transparency Project, criticized YouTube for the delay in this policy update, emphasizing the necessity of actual enforcement of the new guidelines.
“Firearms are the prime cause of death among young individuals in the US,” stated Ms Paul. She stressed that policy enforcement is crucial to assess the change’s effectiveness.
“Without concrete measures to keep gun and violence-related videos from reaching minors, YouTube policies are meaningless,” she asserted.
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Research by the Tech Transparency Project last year, simulating YouTube accounts of nine-year-old boys, revealed how the recommendation algorithm directed these accounts towards violent videos involving firearms, including assembly instructions to make guns fully automatic.
Some of the videos showed young children handling firearms, and another depicted a graphic scene using a .50 calibre weapon.
According to Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg, many of these videos breached YouTube’s guidelines against violent or gruesome content.
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YouTube has acknowledged the evolving trends, such as the increased access to 3D-printed guns, as a reason behind the policy updates. YouTube mandates that users below 17 obtain parental permission, and users under 13 must use a linked account held by a parent or guardian.
“We are committed to reviewing our policies and consult with experts to ensure our guidelines accurately reflect current concerns,” said YouTube spokesperson Javier Hernandez.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is YouTube changing its policies on gun-related content?
YouTube is responding to the increasing availability of 3D-printed guns and pressure from advocacy groups to restrict access to potentially harmful or traumatic content for minors.
When will the new YouTube policies on gun videos come into effect?
The new policies will begin on 18 June.
What types of gun-related videos will YouTube restrict under the new policy?
YouTube will ban videos that teach viewers how to bypass firearm safety devices, feature the creation of homemade guns and automatic weapons, and recommend such content to minors under 18.
Has there been a recent increase in gun violence involving children?
Yes, gun-related injuries and deaths have surged to record highs among children and teenagers in the US, making it the leading cause of death in this age group.
How will YouTube enforce these new restrictions?
YouTube plans to review and enforce its policies regularly with the help of outside experts, but critics are urging for concrete action to make these policies effective.
Is YouTube’s age restriction policy sufficient for protecting minors?
Critics argue that YouTube’s policy requiring users under 17 to have parental permission is not sufficiently enforced, as many minors can still access harmful content.
