In a move aimed at protecting younger viewers, YouTube is implementing stricter limitations on firearm content that have a high probability of affecting airsoft content. This decision comes after ongoing criticism from safety groups concerned about the platform's potential to expose children to inappropriate or potentially dangerous material.

The new regulations, taking effect on June 18th, will prohibit videos demonstrating how to remove firearm safety devices. Additionally, content showcasing homemade guns and automatic weapons will be age-restricted, meaning only users verified as 18 or older will be able to view them.

According to a YouTube post on their firearms policy page, these changes reflect the platform's commitment to adapting its policies to the evolving online landscape. The increased availability of 3D printing technology, for example, prompted the decision to expand restrictions on homemade firearm content. YouTube also emphasized its ongoing collaboration with external experts to ensure its policies effectively address contemporary concerns.

These changes follow a 2023 study by the Tech Transparency Project. Researchers created accounts mimicking young boys interested in video games. The experiment revealed that YouTube's recommendation algorithm directed these accounts towards disturbing content, including school shooting footage, tactical weapon training videos, and instructions on modifying firearms for automatic fire. The study also identified instances where videos violated existing YouTube policies against violent or gory content, such as a young girl handling a handgun and another depicting a high-caliber weapon firing on a realistic dummy.

These findings, along with similar reports, drew scrutiny from figures like Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. He previously admonished YouTube for hosting tutorials on building deadly weapons. Bragg welcomed the platform's recent changes, calling them "commonsense fixes" that will minimize firearm content accessible to minors.

However, the new regulations have been met with criticism from gun rights advocates like Gun Owners of America (GOA). The organization argues that restricting access to legal and constitutional activities for adults is wrong and seeks to portray firearms negatively to younger viewers. They also expressed concerns about the potential influence of gun control groups and government officials on YouTube's decision-making process.

This isn't YouTube's first attempt to regulate firearm content. Existing policies prohibit videos demonstrating firearm construction and selling weapons, regardless of audience age. Additionally, live streams featuring users holding guns are also banned.

The exact methods of enforcing these nuanced restrictions remain unclear. While automated systems can potentially remove content similar to previously flagged videos, concerns exist regarding the potential impact on Airsoft YouTubers. Their content, even if focused on "toy guns," could be caught in the crossfire, especially when discussing accessories, upgrades, or conversion kits that resemble real firearm modifications.

With monetization already challenging for gun and airsoft content creators, the new policy raises concerns about the future viability of such channels on YouTube.