YouTube, owned by Google, announced changes to its policies regarding firearm videos in an effort to safeguard underage users from potentially harmful content. Effective June 18, the platform will prohibit videos demonstrating the removal of firearm safety devices and restrict access to videos showcasing homemade guns, automatic weapons, and certain firearm accessories like silencers to users aged 18 and older.
Gun safety advocates have long urged YouTube to take action to prevent gun-related videos from reaching young viewers, citing concerns about the potential negative impact on children. The Tech Transparency Project director welcomed the policy change as a positive step but questioned the delay in its implementation, emphasizing the importance of effective enforcement.
Research conducted by the Tech Transparency Project revealed that YouTube's recommendation system directed graphic gun-related content to simulated accounts of 9-year-old boys, including videos of school shootings and firearm modification instructions. The platform has faced criticism for hosting videos that violate its own policies against violent or gory content.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg recently called on YouTube to address the proliferation of firearm videos targeting young users, highlighting the impact on public safety. Bragg commended YouTube's new policy, which aims to address emerging threats such as 3D printed guns.
YouTube spokesperson Javier Hernandez emphasized the platform's commitment to regularly reviewing guidelines and consulting with experts to ensure appropriate content boundaries. The company requires users under 17 to obtain parental permission for site access, with accounts for users under 13 linked to parental supervision.
YouTube and TikTok, popular among children and teens, have faced scrutiny for hosting content that promotes gun violence, eating disorders, and self-harm. The role of social media platforms in facilitating and glorifying violence, as seen in recent mass shootings, has raised concerns about online content's impact on vulnerable audiences.
