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technologist36
technologist36
New Member
December 8, 2015
Question

Allow explicit YouTube video

  • December 8, 2015
  • 4 replies
  • 26454 views

Hello everyone,

 

I am blocking the entire YouTube access by using the video streaming category. But I want to open access to a certain YouTube content only. I though this might be easy but its not the case. I've created a static URL filtering and added the link to the content as a simple entry with Allow action but still the content is blocked. I've tried another trick is to add the link in the web rating overrides and allow the content under different category but also still no success. I figured out that the link won't open if the parent is blocked as a whole.

 

For example, If www.youtube.com is blocked, then www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqPZEhb1Khk will be blocked also. This is true since I allowed the parent and Voila! the content is working. However, I don't want to open the parent because this means that I am allowing the entire YouTube. What a Dilemma! I just want to explicitly open the content without allowing the parent domain and I think this is simple for Fortinet to include the solution to this dilemma in its products.

 

Appreciate your help.

    4 replies

    Dave_Hall
    Dave_Hall
    New Member
    December 8, 2015

    Controlling youtube content is a bit problematic unless you have Deep Inspection (full SSL inspection) enabled.  That being said -- URL filtering on the Fortigate works from a top-down (much like the firewall polices) -- create a URL filter exempt rule allowing the full Youtube URL (e.g. www.youtube.com/watch?v=NB2lhnQo8Jw) then below this rule, create a URL rule that blocks www.youtube.com.

     

    Keep in mind that youtube uses local content servers to steam the actual video content to your browser client, so while the above may work for accessing the youtube video link, streaming may not work (especially if you have an app sensor blocking media steaming).  Alternately, you may be better off hosting a copy of the youtube video(s) locally (seek permission, use a youtube downloader, etc.).

     

     

    technologist36
    technologist36Author
    New Member
    December 9, 2015

    Dave, thank you so much.

     

    I did what you've said but still no luck. I created 2 static URL filtering rules with explicit youtube child content in the top and entire youtube domain in the bottom. I also tried this in the web rating overrides but it forces the youtube parent to be ordered on top even if I created it later in the game.

     

    Something I didn't mention is that I am also using application control and youtube signature is blocked. There is unfortunately no option to configure an explicit youtube content. Just signatures to be allowed or blocked.

     

    I don't know what to do. SSL inspection causes problems with SSL sites and I am avoiding this security feature.

    AlexFeren
    AlexFeren
    New Member
    December 10, 2015

    > I created 2 static URL filtering rules with explicit youtube child content in the top and entire youtube domain in the bottom.

    I've tested Dave Hall's suggestion - it works (with deep SSL inspection).

     

    > I am also using application control and youtube signature is blocked.

    Out of curiosity, (AFAIK) YouTube content is only served by www.youtube.com, what's the point of blocking it via Application Control as well as by WebFilter?

     

     

    Dhruv_Modi
    Dhruv_Modi
    New Member
    February 19, 2019

    Hello Team,

     

    I have same requirement as @technologist36 mentioned. As need to allow youtube education category only and block all other categories and contents of youtube. Tried all steps as per mentioned in trailed conversation, but no success. It will be great if anyone can suggest to do needful. Thanks in advance.

    Dave_Hall
    Dave_Hall
    New Member
    February 19, 2019

    The YouTube Education Filter has stopped being support by Google as of July 1, 2016.  This online help guide explains more on it and steps you can take. 

     

    https://help.fortinet.com...Education%20Filter.htm

     

     

    Shawty6
    Shawty6
    New Member
    March 15, 2025

    Screenshot_20250315_125617.jpg

     https://vanced.to/revanced-manager

    dihesir7
    dihesir7
    New Member
    August 30, 2025

    Allowing explicit YouTube videos is always a controversial topic, but it deserves a balanced discussion. On one hand, restricting such content protects younger audiences and helps maintain a family-friendly platform. On the other hand, mature audiences often want freedom of choice, and banning certain videos limits creative expression and the diversity of voices. YouTube could consider stricter age-verification systems, transparent labeling, and stronger parental control options instead of blanket bans. This way, viewers who wish to access explicit content responsibly can do so, while those who want to avoid it remain protected. Balance is key. youtube vanced

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