Knife crime is bad in the UK. So is drunken, random street violence at night. And the last thing the British government wants is to encourage more of it. For several months it’s been putting pressure on YouTube regarding some of its content.
Just a few days ago the company decided to ban violent videos. Now, in a move specific to the UK (much as the ban on Nazi-related videos in Germany) YouTube has agreed to ban videos showing weapons and intimidation.
A spokesman told the BBC:
"We recognize that there has been particular concern over videos in the UK that involve showing weapons with the aim of intimidation, and this is one of the areas we are addressing."
"We have just established a new policy in the UK to prohibit this kind of material, and with the help of our community we’ll continue to work to keep YouTube as a platform for safe and lawful expression."
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith responded:
"This is a real step forward. I would like to see other internet service providers follow suit to reinforce our message that violence will not be tolerated either on the internet or in the real world."
