YouTube Implements New Policies Targeting Gambling and Violent Content
YouTube Introduces Stricter Guidelines on Gambling Material
Following a recent update to its interface, YouTube has announced revised policies aimed at protecting younger audiences from unsuitable content. These changes focus particularly on gambling-related material and violent video game footage.
Effective November 17, these new regulations will require content creators to adapt to a tightened framework designed to enhance platform safety and address emerging gambling-like trends such as NFTs.
Previously, YouTube limited content that connected viewers to gambling websites without proper Google certification. The updated rules expand this to include all forms of digital gambling and closely related products. Content promoting gambling sites or alternatives like cryptocurrencies, NFTs, and skin betting will now face restrictions or be banned altogether.
Additionally, social casino games and sweepstakes will be age-restricted, regardless of whether real money is involved, to prevent exposure to underage users.
YouTube’s approach aims to maintain gambling content availability but confines it to adult audiences, reflecting ongoing efforts throughout the year to strengthen its stance on gambling.
Enhanced Controls Over Violent Video Game Content
Simultaneously, YouTube plans to enforce stricter measures on violent content, particularly in videos depicting gaming violence that includes scenes of torture or harm, notably involving non-combatant characters.
Content creators might need to censor or blur violent footage depending on its severity. While no immediate penalties will be imposed on existing videos, creators may have to apply age restrictions or even remove content to comply with the new standards.
YouTube encourages creators to audit their existing uploads before the November deadline to ensure adherence to these policies.
Reactions to past gambling restrictions have been mixed, with some poker content creators expressing concern over the impact on their income due to YouTube’s stringent enforcement.
