YouTube has quietly added a new policy allowing its users to request AI-generated content on the platform as long as it uses their likenesses.
First spotted by TechCrunch, the new content policy allows users to flag videos using "AI to alter or create synthetic content that looks or sounds like you" under YouTube's privacy request system.
Only the actual person being digitally replicated can file the privacy takedown request except for when the request was made on behalf of a vulnerable individual, a deceased family member, and other specific cases.
YouTube and its internal review team, however, still reserve the right to the final decision.
YouTube's New AI-Generated Policy Extends to Public Figures
The policy's system also extends to well-known personalities and public figures being digitally replicated to show them engaging in "sensitive behavior."
Offending content creators will also not receive any "strike" or content removal order from YouTube, although they will be required to remove or blur out certain parts that violate its new policy.
The new policy is noted as part of the platform's earlier commitments to "responsible AI innovation" in combating "manipulated content that misleads viewers and may pose a serious risk of egregious harm."
YouTube has already deployed AI content labels and a new community tool allowing users to leave fact-check notes on videos.
YouTube Tackles AI Problem on the Platform
With the election season going full swing across many countries, YouTube has been increasing efforts to curb misinformation on the platform as it happened in previous election periods.
The platform has long been noted of becoming infested with "fake news" and disinformation campaigns "to be weaponized by unscrupulous actors to manipulate and exploit others."
The rise of AI-generated content on the platform has only further enflamed the issue as content creators skirt around its anti-manipulated content policies.
Even now, YouTube is infested with AI-generated images and videos of political figures and personalities as voting polls open in several countries.
