Social media platforms implement content policies following Charlie Kirk shooting

Social media companies are implementing content moderation policies following the fatal shooting of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. Videos of the incident circulated widely across platforms, prompting official responses from major tech companies.

The Verge contacted multiple platforms to determine their approach to moderating Charlie Kirk shooting videos and related posts.

Also read: Charlie Kirk Assassination: How conservative activist’s Turning Point Action group aided Trump's return to

Bluesky enforces violence prevention guidelines

Bluesky addressed Charlie Kirk shooting content through its official safety account, citing community guidelines violations.

"Glorifying violence or harm violates Bluesky's Community Guidelines," Bluesky said on its Bluesky Safety account. "We review reports and take action on content that celebrates harm against anyone. Violence has no place in healthy public discourse, and we're committed to fostering healthy, open conversations."

Meta applies violent content policies to Kirk shooting

Meta spokesperson Francis Brennan referenced the company's established policies on violent and graphic content regarding Charlie Kirk shooting videos.

According to Meta's policies, "we remove the most graphic content and add warning labels to other types of content so that people are aware it may be sensitive before they click through. We restrict the ability for younger users to see content that may not be suitable or age-appropriate for them. By doing so, we aim to provide an appropriate user experience, while continuing to provide space for our users to express themselves."

Reddit monitors platform for Charlie Kirk violence content

Reddit spokesperson Gina Antonini outlined the platform's response to Charlie Kirk shooting posts and videos.

Also read: All about Utah college where Charlie Kirk was killed

"Our sitewide rules prohibit encouraging, glorifying, inciting, or calling for violence," Antonini tells The Verge. "We're monitoring the platform to remove violating content, including hashing to prevent its re-upload. We have also reached out to ensure moderators understand and abide not only by the Reddit Rules, but also our Moderator Code of Conduct, and understand the tools and resources available to uphold our policies."

YouTube removes graphic Charlie Kirk shooting videos

YouTube implemented specific measures for Charlie Kirk shooting content, according to spokesperson Jack Malon.

"Our hearts are with Charlie Kirk's family following his tragic death," Malon tells The Verge. "We are closely monitoring our platform and prominently elevating news content on the homepage, in search and in recommendations to help people stay informed."

YouTube will remove "some graphic content" related to Kirk's death, "particularly if it does not provide sufficient context for viewers." Content showing the attack will be age-restricted, preventing access by signed-out viewers or users under 18.

Malon noted that YouTube's policies prohibit content "reveling in or mocking the death or serious injury of an identifiable individual."

Also read: Charlie Kirk shooting video goes viral on social media as US President reveals conservative activist healt

Platform response status for Charlie Kirk shooting

Discord, TikTok, and X did not immediately respond to requests for comment from The Verge regarding their Charlie Kirk shooting content policies.