YouTube will implement new restrictions on content featuring graphic violence in video games and gambling.
In a statement updating the policy, the platform said the changes are designed to maintain a safer environment for users and focus on three key areas:
- Online casino content
- Social casino content
- Graphic gaming content
YouTube already prohibits content promoting online gambling sites or applications that are not certified by Google. The new policy reflects the ever-changing landscape of online gambling and will place further restrictions on social casinos, skins gambling, and NFTs.
The updated guidelines will take effect on November 17.
Restrictions On New Forms Of Gambling
In the update, Rob from Team YouTube stated, “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).”
Gambling in video games has also attracted the attention of authorities in several countries recently. Spain launched a campaign against loot boxes earlier this month. This follows increased regulatory scrutiny in Brazil, the UK, and Singapore.
Additionally, “Content that depicts, promotes, or facilitates social casino sites will now be age-restricted.”
Social or sweepstakes casinos have also faced intensified legal challenges in the US this year. Several states have explicitly banned platforms from using a dual-currency model to bypass regulations around online gambling.
California, where YouTube’s headquarters are located, became the latest state to pass a bill prohibiting the platforms. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed off on the legislation, which will come into effect from the start of next year.
While the new rules will restrict gambling ads on YouTube, Google has also authorized gambling promotions in Missouri. This is in preparation for the state launching sports betting in December.
Graphic Gaming Content Also Restricted, Could Have Esports Ramifications
In the final change related to graphic violence, YouTube stated, “We will age-restrict an additional small subset of video game content featuring realistic human characters that focuses on scenes of torture or scenes of mass violence against non-combatants.”
This is likely to cause an extra burden for creators and tournament organizers operating in FPS titles such as Counter-Strike 2 or Call of Duty, which may potentially fall under the new YouTube guidelines.
The company said that any content uploaded to the site before November 17 that falls foul of the new guidelines may be removed or restricted, but will not result in a strike for creators.
Creators can edit their existing content using YouTube’s trim or blur tools to satisfy the new policy.
If content is restricted, YouTube will notify accounts through email, and creators will have the right to appeal the decision.