YouTube will now require users to disclose AI-created content

YouTube announced that it will now require its users to disclose when created content related to artificial intelligence (AI) is used in one of their videos. 

In a news release published Tuesday, the Google-owned social media platform introduced a set of new policies aimed at being forthcoming about AI utilization.

The new policies include requiring creators to disclose when they’ve created — or incorporated — AI content for their posts, such as making AI content “that realistically depicts an event that never happened, or content showing someone saying or doing something they didn’t actually do.” 

“Creators who consistently choose not to disclose this information may be subject to content removal, suspension from the YouTube Partner Program, or other penalties,” YouTube said in its news release. “We’ll work with creators before this rolls out to make sure they understand these new requirements.”

Viewers will also be allowed to submit a request form for it to remove AI content “that simulates an identifiable individual, including their face or voice.” The company noted that not all requests will be honored, and they’ll “consider a variety of factors when evaluating these requests.” 

“This could include whether the content is parody or satire, whether the person making the request can be uniquely identified, or whether it features a public official or well-known individual, in which case there may be a higher bar,” the release said. 

YouTube also said it plans to introduce a process where its music industry partners can request for AI content to be removed from the site if it “mimics an artist’s unique singing or rapping voice.”

The announcement comes weeks after President Biden signed an executive order on AI that focuses on seizing on the emerging technology and managing its risks.

“President Biden believes that we have an obligation to harness the power of AI for good, while protecting people from its potentially profound risks,” a senior administration official said at the time.

AI has gained popularity in the past year, resulting in companies introducing or announcing their own AI-implemented services this year.