YouTube, once the haven for creative minds, an open space where one could create and share, has finally begun closing the last doors on that dream. Just this week, YouTube has rolled out new regulations restricting "gun" content on the site. Instead opening the door to discussion, they have closed it and has made it quite clear that there will be no debate.
To make it clear, gun channels aren't the only ones effected by YouTube's new regulations. These include both Liberal and Conservative channels that YouTube likely deems too controversial. It is clear that they are trying to push a new image, an image to attract advertisers. This isn't some giant conspiracy by the left or the right, it's about setting an image, and that image is one that is safe and makes them money.
Guns are their newest target line stretching back to their fist efforts to wipe out copyright infringement. The later was a noble goal, copyright is important to respect, but their efforts (and lack of oversight) often negatively effected reviewers who were covered by Fair Use (more on that at a later date). As for guns, the vast majority of these channels (which vary greatly in format) are enthusiasts, many provide education both in safety and history, not encouraging gun violence.
While the recent shooting in Florida is definitely the catalyst for this new assault on gun channels, again it is part of YouTube's rebranding. This effort is likely to be their downfall, when your try to build interest in your product, the last thing you should do is alienate your audience. Instead of working with these people, they've been branded, in essence, villains are and slowly being pushed off the boat.
One part of this new regulation prohibits links to sites that sell firearms. Many gun shops are small businesses, not large corporations like Google. Many don't just sell guns, but also provide education in gun safety, hunter courses, self-defense courses, and some even have indoor ranges. They also support sporting leagues and shooting competitions. I would encourage anyone to go to a gun store and inquire about the services they provide and you would be surprised about what actually goes on there.
However, YouTube will continue to alienate it's user base and kill the soul that once made it great. Other sites will rise up and fill the gap. They've made it quite clear, through their algorithms and inability to converse with the people who made them great in the first place, the discussion is over.
YouTube's new Policies:
https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/7667605?hl=en
