YouTube tightens child safety rules: Teens under 16 can no longer livestream without adult supervision

YouTube is enhancing its safety measures for younger users by increasing the minimum age for livestreaming from 13 to 16 years. The forthcoming policy, which will be implemented starting 22 July, is part of Google’s wider initiative to safeguard minors on the platform and tackle ongoing issues related to online child safety.

Until now, individuals aged 13 and older were able to conduct live streams on their personal channels. Nonetheless, according to the updated regulations, only individuals aged 16 and above will be permitted to stream live on their own. Individuals between the ages of 13 and 15 can participate in livestreams, but only with close oversight. A visible adult must be on camera during the entire broadcast and should also have a leadership position, like editor or owner, on the channel.

Should these requirements not be satisfied, YouTube states it could turn off live chat, remove the stream, or temporarily suspend access to livestreaming functions. Continued infractions may result in additional consequences.

This modification comes after a February statement from Google, where it disclosed intentions to utilize machine learning to assess users’ actual ages, aiming to reduce the widespread habit of falsifying one’s birth date. The firm has been subject to regulatory examination for violating children’s privacy regulations, resulting in multiple significant fines. YouTube states that the change is part of its broader plan to focus on child safety, which additionally features monitored accounts, content labeled as “Made for Kids,” and privacy advice for younger users. The platform urges younger creators to avoid sharing personal details on camera and to use moderation tools to handle interactions while live streaming.

Although the updated age limit may be frustrating for young, ambitious creators, YouTube asserts that these modifications are essential for promoting a safer online space.