YouTube is set to implement a new age restriction for livestreaming, raising the minimum age from 13 to 16, effective July 22. This change means that while youths aged 13 to 15 can still participate in streams, they must do so with an adult visibly present. If they are found to be streaming alone, the platform may disable the live chat function or remove the stream entirely. Earlier this year, Google announced its intention to use machine learning to accurately estimate users’ real ages on YouTube, a move designed to catch those misrepresenting their date of birth.
With the upcoming age restrictions, YouTube aims to further strengthen its policies around the safety of minors on the platform. The recent changes are detailed on a newly updated Help page, highlighting YouTube’s commitment to protecting young users. For those aged 13 to 15, there are specific requirements to appear in a livestream. They can still go live from their channels, but only under certain conditions: an adult must be designated as a channel manager, must start the stream from YouTube’s Live Control Room, and must be present on camera throughout the stream.
These restrictions are a continuation of YouTube’s ongoing efforts to enhance child safety, which already include supervised accounts and restricted content for channels aimed at children. The platform also emphasizes the importance of privacy for young users, encouraging practices such as avoiding sharing personal information on camera and utilizing moderation tools to manage live discussions. While these changes might pose challenges for younger content creators hoping to establish their audience, YouTube is prioritizing online safety.
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