15-11-2023 (SAN FRANCISCO) YouTube announced on November 14 its plans to enable users to request the removal of AI-generated impersonations from the platform. The move is part of new regulations set to take effect in the coming months, aiming to address concerns about the potential misuse of AI to spread scams, misinformation, or create deceptive content.
The Alphabet-owned platform will evaluate removal requests, considering factors such as whether the videos are parodies and if the individuals depicted can be identified. Additionally, YouTube will introduce mandatory disclosure for creators using AI to produce realistic video content. This disclosure will inform viewers about videos that simulate events or depict individuals saying or doing things that never occurred.
According to YouTube’s product management vice presidents, Emily Moxley and Jennifer Flannery O’Connor, these measures are crucial, especially in cases discussing sensitive topics like elections, ongoing conflicts, public health crises, or public officials. Violating the disclosure rule may result in content removal or suspension from YouTube’s partner program, which shares ad revenue with creators.
The platform is also extending the ability for music partners to request the removal of AI-generated music content mimicking an artist’s unique singing or rapping voice.
In a parallel move, Meta recently announced that advertisers on its platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, will have to disclose when AI or other software is used to create or alter imagery or audio in political ads. This requirement, effective globally at the beginning of the next year, aims to increase transparency and inform viewers about the use of AI in creating content.
The rise of AI-generated content has prompted tech companies to implement safeguards to prevent misuse, particularly in influencing elections or spreading disinformation. Microsoft’s chief legal officer, Brad Smith, and corporate vice president Teresa Hutson highlighted the potential threat to electoral integrity from authoritarian nations combining traditional techniques with AI and new technologies.
