FILE - This March 20, 2018 file photo shows the YouTube app on an iPad in Baltimore. The video-sharing network owned by Google is cracking down on harmful or dangerous pranks. Updated policies no longer allow challenges that present “an apparent risk of death” and ban content featuring children “participating in dangerous challenges that pose an imminent risk of injury or bodily harm.” (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)

YouTube revises policy, bans dangerous prank videos

By The Associated Press January 16, 2019 at 5:38am

SAN BRUNO, Calif. (AP) — YouTube is trying to prevent otherwise bright people from doing dangerous things.

The video-sharing network owned by Google is cracking down on harmful or dangerous pranks.

Updated policies no longer allow challenges that present “an apparent risk of death” and ban content featuring children “participating in dangerous challenges that pose an imminent risk of injury or bodily harm.”

YouTube also says it is drawing the line on content that “intends to incite violence or encourage dangerous or illegal activities” that have a risk of serious harm or death. They include bomb making or pranks that put people in physical danger.

A recent “Bird Box challenge” featured videos of people engaging in activities while blindfolded.

People also were sickened in a challenge that involved eating Tide detergent pods.

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