YouTube bans dangerous pranks and challenges

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MANILA, Philippines — YouTube has banned users from sharing videos of dangerous pranks that put people’s lives in jeopardy in its platform.

In an update to its policies on harmful or dangerous content on Wednesday, the video-sharing platform said, “Challenges that present an apparent risk of death are not allowed on YouTube.”

“Content that features a child participating in dangerous challenges that pose an imminent risk of injury or bodily harm are also not allowed on YouTube,” the update added.

The site also banned “pranks that lead victims to believe they are in physical danger or that can cause real physical harm.”

Further, YouTube made it clear that they are restricting “dangerous or abusive pranks that may cause emotional distress to children.”

The update in its policy came after risky memes and challenges had become trends on the video-sharing platform.

YouTube previously cited “Fire Challenge,” “Tide Pod Challenge” and the “Bird Box Challenge” among the viral challenges users had been engaging on.

“Fire Challenge” dared people to put flammable liquid on their bodies then ignite it, while “Tide Pod Challenge” dared biting or chewing the encapsulated candy-colored laundry detergent.

The most recent is the “Bird Box Challenge” where netizens wear blindfolds just like the characters of the Netflix film as they do everyday tasks. /cbb