YouTube’s looking to crack down on depictions of violence in gaming content, while it’s also implementing new restrictions on gambling promotions, in line with evolving community expectations.
Which will no doubt irritate at least some portion of the “free speech” crowd, who’ll see this as another assault on their autonomy. But clearly, YouTube is dealing with more complaints and concerns on these elements, though it specifically points to broader shifts in opinion and process that are helping to shape its approach.
As explained by YouTube:
“Our policies are designed to evolve alongside the digital world. We’re making these updates to keep pace with new trends, like gambling with digital goods, and to more closely align our guidelines for mature content with industry standards.”
First off, on violence. Beginning from November 17th, YouTube will implement age restrictions on video game content that features “realistic human characters,” and focuses on “scenes of torture or scenes of mass violence against non-combatants.”
YouTube says that it will consider various factors in implementing these restrictions, including the duration of any such exposure, its prominence in context and the specifics of each depiction. But in general, if it looks like a real human is being mutilated, even in video game form, it’s probably going to get restricted.
So no more of those wacky VR shoot-up videos.
“Content uploaded before November 17, 2025, that violates these guidelines may be removed or age-restricted, but will not result in a strike. Remember, age-restricted videos can stay on your channel for 18+ audiences.”
YouTube also notes that creators can edit their videos before the deadline in order to comply with these new rules, but they will come into effect next month.
At the same time, YouTube’s also implementing more limits on gambling promotions in content:
“Our current policy prohibits content that directs viewers to online gambling sites or applications that are not certified by Google. We’re expanding our enforcement to now cover online gambling with additional items that have monetary value, including digital goods (e.g. video game skins, cosmetics and NFTs).”
LOL. NFTs.
Essentially, Google’s found that some people are still promoting forms of gambling that don’t use money, as such, so it’s looking to crack down on those as well, while it’s also updating its approach to casino-style games “where nothing of real-world monetary value is wagered or cashed out.”
“Content that depicts, promotes, or facilitates social casino sites will now be age-restricted.”
Gambling has become so prevalent in modern society, particularly around sports betting, that we’re all likely somewhat numb to the dangers of such, and it seems like YouTube is looking to remain ahead of the curve in this respect, by responding to broader concerns about gambling promotion, even in alternate forms.
Which makes sense. The most recent NBA betting scandal has once again highlighted the dangers of at least some elements of sports betting, and the overlap between young audiences and gambling promotions is starting to raise more red flags among regulatory groups and representatives.
As such, gambling-related promotions are likely going to see more restrictions either way, and YouTube’s looking to evolve its policies in line with this, especially as it relates to younger audiences.
On balance, these seem like fairly logical updates, though again, some will be annoyed at YouTube, and parent company Google, for stepping in to impose any restrictions at all.
But unless the Trump White House raises a concern, the changes will be going into effect next month.
