YouTube Requires Disclosure of AI-Generated Content and Adds Labels, Otherwise Faces Penalties
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YouTube is introducing new rules for AI content, including requiring creators to disclose whether they used generative artificial intelligence to create realistic videos.
YouTube outlined a series of AI-related policy updates in a blog post on Tuesday, stating that creators who fail to disclose whether they used AI tools to produce 'altered or synthetic' videos will face penalties, including content removal or suspension from the platform's revenue-sharing program.
"Generative AI has the potential to spark creativity on YouTube and transform the experience for both viewers and creators on our platform," wrote Jennifer Flannery O’Connor and Emily Moxley, Vice Presidents of Product Management, in a blog post. "But equally important is balancing these opportunities with our responsibility to protect the YouTube community."
These restrictions expand upon rules announced by YouTube's parent company Google in September, which mandate that political ads using AI on YouTube and other Google platforms must carry prominent warning labels.
According to the latest changes expected to take effect next year, YouTubers will have new options to indicate whether they have posted AI-generated videos, such as realistic depictions of events that never occurred, or showing someone saying or doing things they didn't actually do.
"This is particularly important when discussing sensitive topics such as elections, ongoing conflicts, public health crises, or public officials," said O'Connor and Moxley.
Audiences will be informed about modified videos through labels, including prominent tags on YouTube's video player for sensitive content.
The YouTube platform is deploying AI to eradicate content that violates its rules, and the company states that this technology helps detect 'new forms of abuse' more quickly.
YouTube's privacy complaint process will be updated to allow requests for the removal of AI-generated videos simulating identifiable individuals, including their faces or voices. YouTube's music partners, such as record labels or publishers, will be able to request the takedown of AI-generated music content that imitates artists' unique singing or rapping voices.