YouTube is set to update its policies on restricted content, focusing on "graphic violence" that is portrayed in video games.
YouTube to Restrict Showing Graphic Violence in Video Game Content
YouTube shared a new announcement regarding the changes it would bring to uploaded content on its platform, with the company looking to restrict the depiction of "graphic violence" found in video games.
The company's latest announcement centers on heightening the restrictions for online users, with their focus on "strengthening enforcement of our Community Guidelines."
According to YouTube, it already has existing guidelines regarding graphic gaming content found on the platform, but there are more types that they would like to add.
Its upcoming restrictions would focus more on video game clips depicting realistic human characters, particularly when these digital characters are being tortured. It would also restrict the content of scenes depicting "mass violence against non-combatants" and make them exclusively available to legal-aged users on the platform when it takes effect.
The new policies that YouTube will add to its existing Community Guidelines will take effect on November 17.
More Age-Appropriate Content on YouTube
YouTube explained that there are also several factors that it will consider in restricting videos.
First, YouTube will consider the duration of the violent depiction shown on a specific video, and it will take note of the cumulative duration of the graphic scenes. The company said that this focus will center on sustained graphic scenes only and not "fleeting" ones.
Next, YouTube will also focus on the prominence of the said graphic scene, particularly if the violence of the act or acts is zoomed in, highlighted, or is the main focus of the video.
Lastly, YouTube will look closer at the content of the video, especially if it depicts realistic human characters. According to the platform, if the violence is being done to a character that looks like a real human, it is subject to analysis and age-appropriation measures.
According to YouTube, all videos uploaded before November 17 would be subject to age restrictions or may be removed altogether, but creators would not incur a strike.
From now until November 17, creators may edit the said videos containing this graphic imagery before the date of effect.
YouTube assures users that age-restricted videos will still appear online, but will require logged-in accounts that are over the age of 18.
