YouTube Requires Users to Label AI-Generated Content

YouTube is requiring creators to disclose when realistic content was AI-generated.

The Google-owned video-sharing platform announced in a blog post that creators have to disclose whether Gen AI was used in a video that a viewer could easily mistake for a real person or event.

Users have to check a box on Creator Studio when uploading content to disclose “synthetic media” – which could be something like a deepfake speech of a politician saying something they didn’t.

YouTube said it may label content even when a creator has not disclosed it, especially if the content “has the potential to confuse or mislead people.”

Credit: YouTube

Videos flagged as containing synthetic content will feature a label informing viewers that the content was AI-generated. YouTube said a more prominent label will be present for videos on more sensitive topics like elections, health, news and finances. 

The rules do not cover content YouTube describes as “clearly unrealistic” – this includes animation or for example, someone riding a unicorn through a fantasy world.

YouTubers also are not required to disclose if they used generative AI for production assistance, such as using AI to blur backgrounds or visual enhancements like lighting filters. Additionally, the rules don’t cover using beauty filters.

Related:YouTube, Music Labels Set Guidelines for AI-generated Music

YouTube also announced plans to develop an improved process for users to request the removal of deepfakes, with additional information set to be released soon. 

The rules on AI-generated content align with YouTube’s guidelines on AI-generated music content introduced last August responding to an influx of deepfake music also known as “AI covers.”