YouTube has announced new moderation rules that will take effect from November 17, 2025 and will affect underage users. The platform will restrict teens' access to a range of gaming content, including violence and content related to so-called “social casinos,” The Verge reported.
According to the updated policy, video hosting will place an age limit of “18+” on videos that feature torture or mass violence against peaceful characters in video games. When evaluating content, censors take into account the length of the scene, the level of detail, and the realism of the images. Short segments may not be restricted, but content with central violence or close-ups will be age-restricted. YouTube does not specify specific criteria.
It's unclear whether the new measures will affect popular game franchises that depict realistic violence such as Grand Theft Auto or Call of Duty. Previously, the platform did not impose such restrictions on game content.
In addition, strict age restrictions are imposed on videos and advertising of projects in the category of “social casinos” – games that do not involve real betting. In March 2025, YouTube banned creators from mentioning and recommending online casinos without Google certification. The rules now also cover digital items with monetary value, including in-game skins, cosmetic items, and NFTs.
The platform announced that videos uploaded before November 17, 2025 that do not meet the new requirements may be removed or converted to 18+. Authors should set age limits independently and, if necessary, remove or blur problematic scenes.
The user's age will be confirmed using their Google account data. Document checking is mandatory for UK, Australian and EEA residents. In the United States, the artificial intelligence system has been used to identify small accounts since August 2025, and it is planned to roll out in other markets in the future.
Previously, it was reported that Google would allow blocked bloggers to return to YouTube.
