AI crackdown voice cloning

Photo Credit: YouTube

YouTube is taking steps to clarify its position on generative AI used to create content for the platform. The platform notes it is still in its ‘early stages’ of identifying content—but here’s a peek at how it works.

YouTube says it is in everyone’s best interest to maintain a healthy ecosystem of information on the platform. “AI’s powerful new forms of storytelling can also be used to generate content that has the potential to mislead viewers—particularly if they’re unaware the video has been altered or is synthetically created,” the platform notes. That’s why it is introducing labels for AI-generated content.

Creators will be required to disclose whether or not AI was used when creating content. Creators who choose not to disclose their use of AI may be subject to content removal or suspension from the YouTube Partner Program. YouTube says it will work with creators before this change rolls out. So creators must opt-in to AI self-reporting in the near future so YouTube can inform viewers if content is ‘synthetic’ or not.

A new label will be added to the description panel of any video where generative AI is used, indicating some or all of the content is synthetic. YouTube says for certain topics, it will apply a more prominent label to the video player under a heading ‘How this content was made.’ Any content created by YouTube’s own generative AI products will feature the altered or synthetic label.

What about requests to remove AI-generated content?

YouTube says it is working on a way for users to request the removal of AI-generated content that “simulates an identifiable individual, including their face or voice” through a privacy policy request. YouTube says not all content will be removed this way as the platform will consider “whether the content is parody or satire, whether the person can be uniquely identified, or whether it features a public official or well-known individual.”

YouTube is also aiming to make it easier to remove AI-generated content like “Heart On My Sleeve” at the request of its music partners. “We’re also introducing the ability for our music partners to request the removal of AI-generated music content that mimics an artist’s unique singing or rapping voice,” YouTube says.

“In determining whether to grant a removal request, we’ll consider factors such as whether content is the subject of news reporting, analysis, or critique of the synthetic vocals. These removal requests will be available to labels or distributors who represent artists participating in YouTube’s early AI music experiments.”