YouTube Announces New Rules to Label AI-Generated Content Used in Videos
This move, announced in November 2023, aims to enhance transparency around AI-generated videos. The announcement was made through a blog post on Monday, detailing the introduction of a new tool to help creators easily add a disclosure about AI alterations during the video-uploading process.
Enhancing Transparency and Accountability
YouTube’s latest update requires creators to indicate if their content has been “meaningfully altered or synthetically generated and seems realistic.” This process is integrated into the first step of the video-uploading workflow, ensuring creators can conveniently comply.
The platform has introduced a new section titled “Altered Content” which poses three critical questions to assess if the video includes AI-generated elements. Depending on the creator’s response, YouTube will automatically insert a label in the video’s description stating, “Altered or synthetic content – Sound or visuals were significantly edited or digitally generated.”
Label Visibility and Creator Compliance
These new labels will be visible on both long-format videos and Shorts, with Shorts receiving a more prominent tag above the channel’s name. Initially, the labels will appear on the YouTube apps for Android and iOS, with plans to extend this feature to the web interface and TV.
For creators, the workflow to add these disclosures will be available first on the web interface. YouTube also warned of penalties for failing to disclose AI-generated content, which could include content removal and suspension from the YouTube Partner Programme.
Combatting Deepfakes and Protecting Content Integrity
The platform’s updated content policy and the focus on AI-generated content were motivated by the growing concern over deepfakes. YouTube aims to introduce tools for disclosing AI manipulations and provide viewers with an option to request the removal of synthetic content that simulates identifiable individuals, including their face or voice.
Additionally, the platform announced specific rules to safeguard the content of music labels and artists, ensuring their work remains protected against unauthorized AI alterations.
YouTube’s initiative to regulate AI-generated content reflects its commitment to maintaining a transparent and trustworthy environment for both creators and viewers. As AI technologies evolve, such measures are crucial in upholding content integrity and preventing the misuse of AI in content creation.
