YouTube is set to implement stricter age-gating for videos featuring graphic violence in video games starting November 17. The platform is updating its policies to restrict access for users under 18 and those who are signed out from viewing content that depicts realistic human characters in scenes of mass violence against non-combatants or torture. This move also extends to online gambling content, even when no real money is involved.
Key Takeaways
- New age restrictions for graphic violence in gaming content begin November 17.
- Content depicting "realistic human characters" in mass violence or torture will be affected.
- Online gambling and social casino games, even without real money, will also face new restrictions.
- YouTube aims to align its mature content guidelines with industry standards and evolving digital trends.
Evolving Policies for a Digital World
YouTube announced on Tuesday that its policies are being updated to better reflect the evolving digital landscape. The platform stated, "Our policies are designed to evolve alongside the digital world." The changes aim to keep pace with new trends, such as gambling with digital goods, and to more closely align its guidelines for mature content with industry standards.
New Restrictions on Gaming and Gambling Content
The policy updates introduce clearer rules across three main categories: online gambling, social casino games, and graphic gaming content. YouTube will broaden its enforcement on gambling-related material to encompass digital goods with monetary value, like in-game skins, cosmetics, and NFTs, if they are linked to uncertified gambling sites or apps. Additionally, content that portrays or promotes social casino games, even without real money exchange, will now be age-restricted to safeguard younger audiences.
Defining Graphic Violence in Games
For gaming content, videos featuring realistic depictions of human violence, including torture or large-scale harm to non-combatants, may face new restrictions. These restrictions will apply if the violent scenes are prolonged, zoomed in, or are central to the video’s narrative. While specific examples were not provided, this could potentially impact games with realistic combat or intense violence, leaving creators to interpret the new guidelines.
Impact on Creators
YouTube anticipates minimal disruption for most creators, but encourages proactive compliance. Videos that violate the new rules may be age-restricted or removed without resulting in a strike, giving creators an opportunity to edit their content using YouTube’s built-in tools. Creators will be notified via email if their videos are affected and will have the right to appeal any decisions.
