YouTube has announced a policy update that will age-restrict more content featuring video game scenes with graphic violence, effective November 17th. This change aims to prevent users under 18 and signed-out users from viewing videos showcasing realistic human characters engaged in scenes of mass violence against non-combatants or torture.
When determining whether to restrict a video, YouTube will consider factors such as the duration and focus of the graphic scene, particularly violence targeted at characters resembling real humans. While the specifics regarding games like Grand Theft Auto or Call of Duty remain unclear, YouTube stated that creators could potentially avoid age restrictions by altering how certain missions are played or by blurring violent content.
This update extends YouTube’s existing policies, which permit dramatized violence in video games as long as it’s clear the content is fictional or animated. The platform typically restricts videos featuring torture, severe injuries, or violent deaths with blood, while allowing exceptions for gaming content.
By enhancing its restrictions on graphic violence in gaming videos, YouTube aims to create a safer viewing environment for younger audiences while providing creators with guidance on mitigating age restrictions through content modifications.
Source: The Verge