Meta and YouTube Address AI Content Challenges
Meta isn’t the only company tackling the surge in AI-generated content and its implications. YouTube, in a low-key move in June, updated its policy to let individuals request the removal of AI-generated or synthetic content that mimics their face or voice. This policy shift is part of YouTube’s broader privacy request process and builds on its responsible AI agenda introduced last November.
New Policy for AI Content Removal
Under the new policy, YouTube allows individuals to request the takedown of AI-generated content as a privacy violation rather than for being misleading, such as a deepfake. The updated Help documentation from YouTube clarifies that these requests need to come directly from the affected person, with some exceptions. These exceptions include situations where the person is a minor, deceased, or unable to access a computer.
Conditions for Content Removal
Submitting a takedown request does not guarantee that the content will be removed. YouTube will evaluate each complaint on various factors before making a decision. These factors include whether the content is explicitly labeled as synthetic or AI-generated, whether it uniquely identifies a person, and if it could be classified as parody, satire, or another form of valuable public interest content.
Consideration of Public Figures
YouTube’s evaluation also considers if the AI content features a public figure or a well-known individual and if it portrays them in “sensitive behavior” such as criminal activities, violence, or endorsing a product or political candidate. The latter concern is particularly significant during an election year, where AI-generated endorsements could potentially influence voters.
Conclusion
This policy change highlights YouTube’s effort to address the complexities of AI-generated content and its impact on privacy and public perception. By allowing affected individuals to request the removal of such content, YouTube aims to strike a balance between protecting privacy and maintaining valuable public discourse.