YouTube is implementing significant changes to its content policies, set to take effect on November 17. The platform will enforce stricter rules on videos featuring online gambling with digital goods and will age-restrict content with graphic violence in video games. These updates aim to align YouTube’s guidelines with industry standards and enhance platform safety.
Key Takeaways
- Gambling Content: Expansion of rules to cover gambling with digital items like video game skins and NFTs that have monetary value.
- Social Casinos: Videos depicting social casino-style games will be age-restricted, even if no real money is involved.
- Violent Gaming: A subset of video game content featuring realistic human characters in scenes of torture or mass violence against non-combatants will be age-restricted.
- Enforcement: Changes go into effect on November 17, with existing content subject to moderation.
Gambling Restrictions Tightened
YouTube is broadening its enforcement to include online gambling involving digital goods that hold monetary value, such as video game skins, cosmetics, and NFTs. Previously, the platform primarily banned links to uncertified gambling sites. Now, content promoting or showcasing gambling with these virtual items could face removal or age restrictions. Furthermore, videos featuring social casino-style games, like online slots or roulette, will be age-restricted regardless of whether real money is wagered. This measure is intended to prevent minors from being exposed to gambling-like content.
Stricter Age Gates for Violent Gaming
The platform will also begin age-restricting a specific category of video game content that depicts graphic violence. This includes scenes featuring realistic human characters subjected to torture or mass violence against non-combatants. YouTube will consider factors such as the duration and focus of the violent scenes, and the realism of the characters involved. Videos that fall under these new criteria will be restricted to viewers aged 18 and above, impacting their visibility and potential revenue for creators. Creators are advised to review their existing content and make necessary edits, such as blurring or altering violent scenes, to comply with the new guidelines before the November 17 deadline. While existing videos won’t result in channel strikes, they may be removed or age-restricted if they violate the updated policies.
