AI

YouTube Introduces New Policy for Removing AI-Generated Content

YouTube Introduces New Policy for Removing AI-Generated Content
Photo by Rachit Tank / Unsplash

In response to the increasing prevalence of AI-generated content, YouTube has quietly implemented a new policy allowing users to request the removal of synthetic content that mimics their face or voice. This change, introduced in June, expands on YouTube’s responsible AI agenda announced in November.

Privacy-Driven Takedown Requests

Instead of categorizing such content as misleading, YouTube encourages affected individuals to request its removal as a privacy violation. According to updated Help documentation, YouTube requires first-party claims, with exceptions for minors, deceased individuals, those without computer access, and other specific cases.

Criteria for Evaluation

Submitting a removal request does not guarantee the content will be taken down. YouTube evaluates requests based on several factors:

  • Disclosure of the content as synthetic or AI-generated.
  • Whether it uniquely identifies an individual.
  • The nature of the content, including parody, satire, or public interest.
  • The inclusion of public figures or well-known individuals, particularly in sensitive contexts like criminal activity or endorsements.

Review Process

  • Notification: Content creators have 48 hours to respond to the complaint.
  • Content Removal: If the content is removed within this period, the complaint is resolved. Otherwise, YouTube will review the request.
  • Comprehensive Removal: The process includes deleting the video and removing personal information from titles, descriptions, and tags. Blurring faces is allowed, but making the video private is insufficient.

New Tools and Features

In March, YouTube introduced a Creator Studio tool for disclosing synthetic media. More recently, it began testing a feature for adding crowdsourced notes to videos, offering context on whether content is parody or misleading.

AI and Community Guidelines

YouTube supports AI innovation, including tools for comment summarization and conversational interactions. However, AI-labeled content must still comply with Community Guidelines.

Impact on Content Creators

Privacy complaints will not automatically lead to Community Guidelines strikes. YouTube emphasizes that privacy violations are handled separately, allowing creators to address complaints without immediate penalties.

For more details on YouTube’s policies and updates, stay tuned to our publication.

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