YouTube bans dangerous pranks following controversial challenges

YouTub has banned dangerous pranks after a string of controversial challenges went viral and resulted in people being killed and seriously injured

YouTube has announced that videos posted to its platform that show people participating in dangerous viral "challenges" will now be removed. The announcement comes after a slew of harmful challenges ended in injury – or even death – for some of its participants. The most recent of which came when the Netflix film Bird Box inspired the popular challenge of the same name where individuals wear blindfolds while performing activities. British Transport Police are currently investigating a now-removed video showing a blindfolded man walking along railway tracks. In another incident, a blindfolded driver crashed into another car in Utah last week. Thankfully, no injuries occurred in what police termed a “predictable result.” YouTube said it would also tackle other ill-advised pranks, such as the "Tide Pod" and "fire" challenges. The "fire" challenge involved putting flammable liquids on people and igniting their bodies. Many individuals suffered severe burns as a result of the disturbing challenge. Last year, the American Association of Poison Control Centers reported an increase in illnesses from detergent ingestion after eating laundry pods became a trend. The spike in poisoning prompted a public awareness campaign in the United States warning of the dangers of swallowing laundry soap. "YouTube is home to many beloved viral challenges and pranks,” an updated post on the site’s FAQ section said. "Our Community Guidelines prohibit content that encourages dangerous activities that are likely to result in serious harm, and today clarifying what this means for dangerous challenges and pranks." In its revised guidelines, YouTube emphasised that stunts causing children extreme distress will not be tolerated. "We also don’t allow pranks that cause children to experience severe emotional distress, meaning something so bad that it could leave the child traumatized for life," the update added.