YouTube to impose tougher restrictions on creators promoting online gambling content | Technology News
YouTube is strengthening its restrictions on online gambling content. The Google-owned platform announced that creators who verbally refer to uncertified gambling apps and websites will be banned from the platform.
It will also deplatform creators who display the logos of and link out to gambling services that have not been approved by Google.
“We know this update may impact creators who focus on online gambling content like casino games and applications, but we believe these changes are a necessary step in protecting our community, especially younger viewers,” YouTube said in an update of its policies on online gambling content published on Tuesday, March 4.
While directing viewers to gambling sites or apps that are not certified by Google was already a violation of the tech giant’s policies, YouTube has also said that “content promising guaranteed returns may be removed regardless of whether the online gambling site or application has been approved by Google.”
In addition, YouTube videos that feature depictions or promotions of online casino sites or apps may be age-restricted by default. “This means that online gambling content (excluding online sports betting and depictions of in-person gambling) won’t be viewable to signed-out users or users under 18,” the company said.
The new rules will kick into effect from March 19, onwards. In 2021, Google banned gambling ads for its masthead ad slot. In India, Google has explicitly prohibited gambling-related ads for location-based gambling and does not allow the promotion of online casino games.
A new report by non-profit think tank Digital India Foundation (DIF) found that ads on social media platforms drove around 42.8 million visits to four illegal online gambling sites in India over a span of three months, while over one billion visits to illegal platforms originated from users directly entering URLs – indicating success of past marketing efforts, referrals, etc.
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“Restricting illegal advertising is key to the regulation of illegal markets and a major aspect of ensuring the effectiveness of enforcement. Countries in the European Union, Australia, and the United Kingdom have significantly improved enforcement against illegal gambling advertisements on social media by actively collaborating with major digital platforms,” the report said.
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