by NRA-HLF Staff - Wednesday, March 28, 2018
For years, gun owners, hunters and shooting sports enthusiasts have watched YouTube videos to learn more about the safe and responsible use of firearms. Now YouTube and its parent company, Google, have announced a ban on videos that demo the use of firearms and the installation of certain accessories or link to websites that sell firearms and accessories.
Chris Cox, Executive Director of the NRA Institute for Legislative Action, released this statement on Friday, Mar. 23:
"YouTube is now in the business of political posturing and censorship. Millions of Americans watch YouTube videos every day to learn more about the safe and responsible use of firearms, and those videos show law-abiding gun owners participating in lawful behavior. By banning this content, YouTube is engaging in politically motivated censorship and alienating the millions of people who turn to the website for education and training. Currently, anyone can go to YouTube and watch a video to learn how to make a bomb, yet the company wants to ban videos depicting lawful gun use? It's absurd. This new policy runs counter to the American traditions of open dialogue and tolerance for diverse opinions and firmly plants YouTube, and its parent company Google, against the freedoms so many Americans hold dear."
About the NRA: Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America's oldest civil rights and sportsmen's group. Nearly 150 years later and more than five million members strong, NRA continues to uphold the Second Amendment and advocates enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation's leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the armed services. Be sure to follow the NRA on Facebook at Facebook.com/NRA and Twitter @NRA.