Bird Challenge prompts YouTube to crackdown on pranks, dangerous challenges, will strike creator accounts
YouTube updated its policies on dangerous challenges and pranks, giving creators two months to comply before it begins issuing strikes against accounts.
While silly antics are a prevalent part of the video platform’s culture, a spate of troubling incidents from the Bird Box challenge, the fire challenge, and the Tide Pod challenge has spurred YouTube into action.
“While it might not seem fair to say you can’t show something because of what viewers might do in response, we draw the line at content that intends to incite violence or encourage dangerous or illegal activities that have an inherent risk of serious physical harm or death,” YouTube’s website states.
The ban extends to pranks that “lead victims to believe they are in physical danger or that can cause real physical harm,” like a home-invasion prank or one simulating a drive-by shooting. In addition, YouTube specifically said content featuring a child participating in dangerous challenges as well as pranks that “may cause emotional distress to children” are not allowed.
YouTube advises that this risky content will be promptly removed if it is deemed unsafe to the participant or others who may copy their actions.