YouTube introduces new restrictions: what will change in November
31 October 05:32
YouTube is updating its rules on video games with graphic violence. Starting from November 17, the video hosting service will restrict the viewing of such videos for minors and users who are not logged into their accounts. This was reported by The Verge, "Komersant Ukrainian" informs
How the new rules will work
YouTube will evaluate scenes of violence in videos based on several criteria:
- episodelength;
- theappearance of the characters (how much they look like real people);
- the degree of realism of the image.
If the violence in the game is directed against characters that have a “realistic human appearance,” the video will receive an age restriction.
The company did not specify which games would fall under the new policy, but it is likely to be titles like Grand Theft Auto, PUBG, Rust, or Call of Duty, where violence scenes often look as realistic as possible.
What YouTube says
The platform’s spokesperson, Booth Bullwinkle, explained that not all scenes of violence will be blocked:
“If an episode is short or doesn’t have images that are zoomed in to enhance the effect, it may remain without age restrictions.”
At the same time, content creators can edit scenes to avoid the restriction, for example, by blurring or hiding the most violent parts.
What videos are already subject to age restrictions
YouTube currently has a policy on “dramatized violence” that covers scenes of
- torture
- serious injuries
- bloody deaths.
If the video does not have clear signs of fiction, it may be restricted for minors. At the same time, content that is obviously created for artistic or gaming purposes is not removed, but only marked with a warning.
Why it’s important
YouTube emphasizes that the purpose of the updates is to protect young users and at the same time give content creators clear guidelines on the boundaries of what is acceptable.
“These changes reflect our commitment to maintaining a safe and responsible platform for everyone,” the company said.
What else will change
Along with the new restrictions, YouTube will prohibit directing users to online gambling content.
Such videos are already inaccessible to users under 18, and now similar rules will apply to social casinos – games that simulate gambling mechanics without real bets.
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