Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr. today applauded YouTube’s new policies around content related to firearms and ammunition. In an April letter, the District Attorney’s Office called on YouTube to take additional steps to stop the proliferation of videos on its platform, many of which are pushed towards young children and adults through its algorithm, that show how to make and manufacture ghost guns and 3D-printed guns. The letter also noted that YouTube’s Community Guidelines specifically prohibit content instructing viewers on how to create these guns.   

In response, YouTube issued new guidance this week that specifically prohibits videos that provide instructions on how to remove certain firearm safety devices. In addition, the company created new categories of age-restricted content that is inappropriate for viewers under 18, including content showing the use of a homemade firearm or automatic firearm and its accessories.  

Read the full guidelines here.   

“We applaud YouTube for implementing these important commonsense fixes to their community guidelines, which will further limit dangerous videos and minimize firearm content for minors,” said District Attorney Bragg. “We have heard firsthand from young individuals that YouTube’s algorithm is driving them to the world of illegal and 3D-printed firearms, which is having a direct impact on the safety of Manhattanites. I thank YouTube for their responsiveness and willingness to work with our Office, and we look forward to continued collaboration on this issue. Gun violence tears at the fabric of our communities and has claimed far too many innocent lives, which is why combating gun violence and stopping the proliferation of illegal firearms and ghost guns remain my top priority. We will continue to use every tool at our disposal to address illegal weapons in our communities.”     

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