Parliament to debate violent videos on YouTube

By Steve Malone

Posted on 23 Oct 2006 at 09:56

Parliament is to debate happy-slapping and violence on YouTube this Wednesday when the Violent Crime Reduction Bill will be before the Commons. An MP intends to raise the issue of how to prevent the broadcast of violence appearing on the Internet and may bring forward an amendment to the Bill.

Last week, Iain Wright, the Labour MP for Hartlepool asked for a debate on how to prevent violence and instances of happy slapping appearing on YouTube. A video entitled the 'Milton Road Fight Club' filmed in his constituency showed a man being attacked in the street and kicked in the face until unconscious.

In answer, Jack Straw, the Leader of the House said he hoped that Wright would raise the matter 'in relation to an appropriate amendment'.

However, it is thought unlikely that a suitable amendment, which covers a complex subject, could be drafted in time to make the debate.

Short of banning video sharing sites, it's hard to see what can be done to stop violent content appearing. YouTube already monitors the videos uploaded onto the site and serves notice that 'Inappropriate' videos will be taken down. Its Community Guidelines specifically say 'Real violence is not allowed'.

The other alternative is to ban possession of violent videos. This idea is already being floated over the possession violent pornography although the issue of what constitutes 'violence' remains the same.