YouTube is updating its policies regarding firearm videos to prevent potentially dangerous content from reaching underage users.
The Google-owned video-sharing platform announced on Wednesday that it will ban videos demonstrating how to disable firearm safety devices. Additionally, videos featuring homemade guns, automatic weapons, and certain firearm accessories like silencers will be restricted to users aged 18 and older.
These changes, effective June 18, follow repeated calls from gun safety advocates for the platform to take stronger measures to prevent gun videos from reaching its youngest users, potentially traumatizing them or exposing them to extremism and violence.
Katie Paul, director of the Tech Transparency Project, welcomed the changes but questioned the delay in implementing the new policy. She emphasized the importance of effective enforcement by YouTube.
“Firearms are the leading cause of death for children and teens in America,” Paul said. “As always with YouTube, the real proof of change is whether the company enforces the policies it has on the books. Until YouTube takes real action to prevent videos about guns and gun violence from reaching minors, its policies remain empty words.”
Last year, researchers from Paul’s group created YouTube accounts mimicking the behavior of 9-year-old boys interested in video games. They found that YouTube’s recommendation system directed these accounts to graphic videos of school shootings, tactical gun training, and instructions for making firearms fully automatic.
One video featured an elementary school-aged girl handling a handgun, while another showed a shooter using a .50 caliber gun to fire at a dummy head filled with lifelike blood and brains. Many of these videos violated YouTube’s policies against violent or gory content.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg recently urged YouTube to stop the proliferation of firearm-related videos to young users and criticized the company for not enforcing its own policies. Bragg commended YouTube’s new policy in a statement on Wednesday.
“We have heard firsthand from young individuals that YouTube’s algorithm is driving them to the world of illegal and 3D-printed firearms, which is having a direct impact on the safety of Manhattanites,” Bragg said.
YouTube stated that the policy changes reflect new developments, such as the increased availability of 3D-printed guns. The platform requires users under 17 to obtain parental permission before using the site, and accounts for users under 13 must be linked to a parental account.
“We regularly review our guidelines and consult with outside experts to ensure we are setting the right boundaries,” said company spokesman Javier Hernandez.
YouTube, along with TikTok, is one of the most popular sites for children and teens. Both platforms have faced scrutiny for hosting and sometimes promoting videos that encourage gun violence, eating disorders, and self-harm.
Several recent mass shooters have used social media and video streaming platforms to glorify violence, foreshadow, or even livestream their attacks.
