YouTube Accused of Bias in New Gun Control Policy

A gun rights organization accuses YouTube of imposing new age restrictions on videos showcasing firearm use to push an "ominous narrative" that firearms are evil.

Gun Owners of America, a gun rights organization, has written a letter to YouTube CEO Neal Mohan expressing "grave concern" over the platform's new "firearms policy," which imposes age restrictions on videos that showcase certain types of firearm use.

The organization argues that restricting access to content depicting constitutionally-protected activity is wrong and that the policy change aims to push an ominous narrative to minors that firearms are evil. It also fears that the changes will have a chilling effect on the First and Second Amendments.

YouTube Accused of Bias in New Gun Control Policy

YouTube says the updates to its firearms policy are part of its continued efforts to maintain policies that reflect the current state of content on the platform. It also consulted with third-party experts, such as law enforcement and public safety stakeholders, in developing the changes.

Gun Owners of America, however, suspects the timing of the rule changes is suspect, as it comes in the midst of an election cycle and will disproportionately impact the Second Amendment community. It also questions if the Biden administration or the White House had any say in the decision.

YouTube Accused of Bias in New Gun Control Policy

The organization has asked Mohan to respond to seven questions about the policy change, including whether there have been any lawsuits from gun control groups or the Democrat side of the aisle to pressure YouTube into this action.

The letter concludes by emphasizing the importance of the issue and looks forward to a prompt response from Mohan to address its concerns.

YouTube Accused of Bias in New Gun Control Policy

YouTube's new firearms policy has drawn criticism from gun rights advocates, who argue that it is biased and unfair. The policy prohibits certain types of content, such as videos that show how to remove safety devices or how to use homemade firearms. Critics argue that these restrictions infringe on the First and Second Amendments and that they will have a chilling effect on gun-related content on YouTube.

YouTube has defended its policy, saying that it is necessary to protect users from harmful content. The company says that it has consulted with experts in developing the policy and that it will continue to review its guidelines to ensure that they are fair and appropriate.

YouTube Accused of Bias in New Gun Control Policy

The debate over YouTube's new firearms policy is likely to continue, as gun rights advocates continue to push for changes to the policy. It is unclear at this time what the outcome of this debate will be, but it is clear that the issue of gun control is a highly contentious one that is likely to remain in the spotlight for some time to come.