Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., today called on YouTube to take additional steps to stop the proliferation of videos on its platform, many of which are pushed towards young children and adults through its algorithm, that show how to make and manufacture ghost guns and 3D-printed guns. In a letter to the company, D.A. Bragg asks that YouTube revise its content moderation strategies and modify its algorithm to stop recommending violent videos, including those modeling ghost guns, to children.
The D.A.’s Office has made cracking down on ghost guns a top priority and has significant institutional knowledge about the proliferation of ghost guns through its Ghost Gun Initiative. Through these investigations, the Office heard from defendants that they learned to build ghost guns on YouTube, with some learning to do so in less than 45 minutes.
“We must use every tool possible to combat gun violence, which has a devastating impact on far too many lives in this country. In Manhattan, we are taking a comprehensive approach to getting guns off our streets, which has led to a double-digit reduction in shootings and homicides over the past two years. Yet, the fast-changing nature of technology means the production of ghost guns, which can be manufactured with ease at home, continues to rise. Furthermore, it is extremely troubling that videos that give a step-by-step guide of how to manufacture ghost guns are deliberately pushed onto the screens of children. Everyone – from law enforcement to tech companies, elected officials and community groups – must work together to address the spread of these weapons,” said District Attorney Bragg.
District Attorney Bragg has made combatting gun violence a top priority. As of April 21, shootings are down 40 percent year to date and homicides are down 29 percent. Between 2021 and 2023, homicides decreased 21% and shootings decreased 38% in Manhattan.
D.A. Bragg has prosecuted numerous cases against individuals for possessing ghost guns. He also introduced legislation to close loopholes in New York’s gun laws that would make it a felony to manufacture ghost guns and a misdemeanor to share, sell or distribute files containing blueprints for 3D-printed firearms components.
In addition to proactive enforcement, D.A. Bragg has prioritized preventative investments to prevent gun violence from occurring. For the third consecutive summer, D.A. Bragg announced the Office will award $20,000 to up to seven community-based organizations to pay young New Yorkers stipends to participate in meaningful programming or enhance and beautify public spaces that are known areas for gun violence.
Read the full letter sent to YouTube.
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