YouTube Unveils Policy Changes, Gambling and Violence in the Crosshairs

Shortly after media giant YouTube unveiled a refurbished look, the company announced a new set of restrictions surrounding content that might not be appropriate for children. This features changes to the platform’s policy on gambling-related content and video game violence.

A New Set of Restrictions for Gambling Content

The new set of rules is set to come into force on November 17, bringing a variety of changes content creators should keep in mind. According to YouTube, the changes seek to make using the platform safer for users and addressing emerging gambling-like alternatives, such as NFTs.

YouTube currently restricts content that directs users to gambling websites that lack Google certification. The new rules will expand this to cover all digital gambling and similar products. As a result, videos that direct users to gambling sites and gambling alternatives, such as crypto, NFTs, skins gambling, will be subject to restrictions and prohibitions.

Social casinos/sweepstakes will likewise be age-restricted, even if the content creator showcasing them doesn’t play with real money.

YouTube’s overall philosophy is to keep gambling content, while restricting it for adult users only.

This is not the first time the media giant has tightened its rules around gambling and follow different amendments that it introduced earlier this year.  

YouTube Also Cracked Down on Violent Content

In the meantime, YouTube will also tighten its already stringent rules on violent content, restricting violent video gaming footage that includes violence, torture and other types of harm, especially to human non-combatant characters.

At the same time, content creators might be required to blur or edit out certain footage, depending on the extent of the violence it features.

Content creators will not face penalties for existing videos that feature such footage but could be required to set age limits or remove certain videos. YouTube encouraged users to review their libraries prior to November 17 when the new rules come into force.

In any case, previous restrictions have largely been met with mixed response. Last month poker channels complained that YouTube’s over-zealous approach to its gambling policy has jeopardized their livelihoods.