In a letter to Mohan, Bragg referenced a study conducted by the Tech Transparency Project in 2023. The study created four test YouTube accounts with the profiles of 14-year-old and 9-year-old boys. After playing at least 100 gaming videos, YouTube’s algorithm started recommending them instructional videos on how to make ghost guns. Bragg noted that these recommendations were made even if the accounts had only watched gameplay videos and had never interacted with any content featuring real guns. Additionally, Bragg highlighted the lack of options for guardians to switch off YouTube’s recommendations in parental controls.
The District Attorney mentioned that many young individuals being investigated for gun possession in New York City reported learning how to make ghost guns from YouTube. He emphasized that while YouTube removes videos when flagged by gun safety groups, the platform should be more proactive in removing such content, preventing future uploads, and providing viewers with a way to disable recommendations. Bragg pointed out that YouTube’s own policy prohibits the uploading of videos that instruct viewers on how to make firearms, underscoring the need for stricter enforcement.
In response, YouTube stated that it would carefully review any videos shared with the company by the Manhattan DA. The platform also reiterated its commitment to removing content that violates its policies.
