YouTube Tightens its Policies on Violent and Gambling Content by November

New Age Restrictions for Violent Gaming Content

Starting November 17, YouTube plans to enforce stricter guidelines around videos featuring graphic violence and online gambling. A significant aspect of this policy change is the imposition of age restrictions on gaming videos showcasing realistic human figures involved in scenarios of severe violence or torture, particularly against unarmed individuals.

YouTube intends to consider both the length and significance of violent scenes when evaluating content. For videos compiling such scenes, the platform will assess the total duration of content tagged as graphic under its guidelines. Videos requiring an age-check will remain inaccessible to users under 18 or those not logged into Google accounts. Though the exact scene length that triggers a restriction wasn't disclosed, YouTube indicated that close-up or prolonged graphic content might be restricted. However, creators might avoid these barriers by applying blur effects to disturbing scenes.

Enhanced Rules Governing Online Gambling Content

Additionally, YouTube is initiating more stringent rules pertaining to online gambling. The platform had already banned content that directs viewers to uncertified online gambling sites or applications. With the upcoming changes, YouTube will extend this prohibition to include videos involving financially valuable items like NFTs and game skins. Even gambling content mimicking casino games without real-world value items will face age restrictions.

Review and Adjustment of Existing Content

YouTube will also revisit older videos, removing them or enforcing age checks if they violate the upcoming rules. Notably, there will be no penalties or strikes for content uploaded before November 17, allowing creators the chance to modify their videos with tools provided by the platform, such as trimming and blurring sections.