Privacy Policy

For content to be considered for removal, an individual must be uniquely identifiable by image, voice, full name, Social Security number, bank account number or contact information (e.g. home address, email address). Examples that would not violate our privacy guidelines include gamer tags, avatar names, and address information in which the individual is not named. We also take public interest, newsworthiness, and consent into account when determining if content should be removed for a privacy violation. YouTube reserves the right to make the final determination of whether a violation of its privacy guidelines has occurred.
What does uniquely identifiable mean?

To be considered uniquely identifiable, there must be enough information in the video that allows others to recognize you. Please note that just because you can identify yourself within the video, it does not mean you are uniquely identifiable to others. A first name without additional context or a fleeting image, for example, would not likely qualify as uniquely identifiable.
How YouTube's privacy process works

If a privacy complaint is filed, YouTube provides the uploader an opportunity to remove or edit the private information within their video. We issue notification of the potential violation and provide the uploader 48 hours to take action on the complaint. If the uploader removes the video during these 48 hours, the complaint filed will be closed. If the potential privacy violation remains on the site after 48 hours, the YouTube Team will then review the complaint.

Our Privacy Complaint Process also accounts for cases that warrant urgent removal of contact or financial data.
Reporting a privacy violation

To file a privacy complaint, start the Privacy Complaint Process. As the complainant, your privacy is respected in this process. At no point will your identity or contact information be released to the uploader without your consent. Our communications to you about this process will be sent to your registered email address. Add support@youtube.com to your spam filter to ensure you receive these messages.
First-party claims required

We do not accept claims on behalf of third parties except in the following situations:
the individual whose privacy is being violated does not have access to a computer
the individual whose privacy is being violated is a vulnerable individual
you are the parent or legal guardian of the individual whose privacy is being violated
you act as a legal representative for the individual whose privacy is being violated

We will not accept privacy complaints filed on behalf of:
other family members (e.g., husband, wife, cousin, brother, sister)
co-workers or employees (individuals must report themselves)
a company
Tips on filing a complete privacy complaint

Please be clear and concise so that the YouTube Team can identify you within the video.
Use the time stamp to indicate only one or two places where you clearly appear in the video.
In the description area, please specify what you are wearing or doing that differentiates you from others within the video.
Make sure you've included the video URL in your report. You are not required to submit a URL if you are reporting an entire channel.
If you are reporting a comment made in the comments section of a video, please note this in the description area. Include the commenter's username in the username field.
Receiving notice of a privacy violation

YouTube provides you, the uploader, an opportunity to remove or edit the private information within your video. We email you about the potential violation and allow you 48 hours to take action on the complaint. If you remove the alleged violation from the site within the 48 hours, the complaint filed will then be closed. If the potential privacy violation remains on the site after 48 hours, the complaint will be reviewed by the YouTube Team.

If we remove your video for a privacy violation, please do not upload another version featuring the same people. These individuals will likely file another privacy complaint or report you for harassment. We are serious about protecting our users and suspend accounts that violate people's privacy.
What if I've obtained consent from the individuals?

Unfortunately we cannot accept or review agreements granting consent before the video was uploaded. Thus, we may still have to remove your video based upon the complaint.
How can I address the complaint?
You can remove the reported content completely from the site.
If someone's full name or other personal information is listed within the title, description, or tags of your video, you can edit this by going to My Videos and clicking the Edit button on the reported video.
Because they can be turned off at any time, annotations are not considered an appropriate method of editing.
Making a video private is also not an acceptable solution, as the uploader can change the status from private to public at any time.