New YouTube Policy Requires Users to Be 16+ for Independent Livestreaming, Aims to Boost Child Safety

YouTube is updating its safety procedures to better protecting younger users, raising the minimum age for livestreaming from 13 to 16. This new regulation will take effect on July 22 and is part of Google's larger attempt to make the platform safer for youngsters.

Previously, kids as young as 13 could broadcast live on their channels with no limits.However, the amended regulation will only allow users aged 16 and higher to livestream on their own.Those aged 13 to 15 can still appear in livestreams, but only if an adult is clearly visible on camera and holds a managerial position on the channel (such as editor or owner).

YouTube states that if these conditions are not met, steps such as restricting live chat, terminating the stream, or temporarily suspending livestreaming access may be taken.Repeated infractions may result in more severe sanctions.

This effort builds on Google's previous promises regarding using AI to help determine a user's true age, with the goal of preventing minors from falsifying their birth dates.YouTube has come under pressure in recent years for not doing enough to protect children online, and it has received multiple fines for privacy infractions.

The business claims that this age limit is part of a bigger kid safety approach that includes monitored accounts, stricter content labelling, and privacy education for younger users.While some young producers may find these changes limiting,YouTube believes they are necessary for establishing a safer online experience.

However, experts note that without greater age verification technologies, enforcing these restrictions may be difficult.

This article is based on information from Business Today