YouTube has announced new moderation rules that will take effect on November 17, 2025 and will affect underage users. The Verge reports that the platform will restrict teenagers' access to certain gaming content, including graphic violence and content related to so-called "social casinos."
Under the updated policy, the video hosting site will set an 18+ age limit for videos featuring scenes of torture or mass violence against non-violent video game characters. When evaluating content, moderators will consider the length of scenes, level of detail, and realistic nature of depiction. Short segments may not be subject to restrictions, but content with central violence or close-ups will be age-restricted. YouTube did not specify specific criteria.
It is not known whether the new measures will affect game franchises known for their realistic depictions of violence, such as Grand Theft Auto or Call of Duty. The platform has not previously imposed such restrictions on game content.
Furthermore, strict age restrictions are imposed on the promotion of videos and projects in the genre of "social casinos" - games that do not involve real money betting. In March 2025, YouTube already banned creators from mentioning or featuring online casinos that don't have Google certification. The rules now also apply to digital items with monetary value, including game skins, cosmetic items, and NFTs.
The platform has announced that videos uploaded before November 17, 2025 that do not meet the new requirements may be removed or downgraded to 18+. Creators are advised to set their own age restrictions and, if necessary, remove or mask problematic scenes.
Users' age will be verified using their Google account information. Document verification is required for UK, Australian and EEA residents. In the US, the artificial intelligence system is used to identify the accounts of minors from August 2025, and it is planned to be implemented in other markets as well.
Translation by Euromedia24.com
