Deepfake videos, whether entertaining or malicious, are a growing concern. YouTube is taking steps to address the issue by allowing individuals to report videos that use AI-generated versions of themselves. This reporting system differs from YouTube's other forms of reporting abuse in that it relies on affected individuals flagging the video. As AI technology advances, online platforms will need to take stronger measures to combat the misuse of deepfakes.
How to report an AI-generated video
If you come across an AI-generated YouTube video of yourself, please report it by:
Please see YouTube's Privacy Complaint Procedure
Follow the steps until you reach the final stage (Step 6), where you'll see an option to “Report altered or synthetic content.”
The option, explained in more detail on YouTube's dedicated page, covers videos that feature “content that looks or sounds like you, but is heavily edited or generated by AI or other tools.”
For example, YouTube can ask you to remove content that uses your name, photo, or other personal information without your consent, and if someone has used AI to alter or create synthetic content that looks or sounds like you, you can ask them to remove that content.
However, to be eligible for removal, content must depict a realistically altered or composite likeness of a user.
What happens when a video is flagged?
After going through YouTube's privacy process, creators have 48 hours to remove the video, and options include removing identifying information or blurring faces.
However, YouTube prioritizes removal and will not accept simply making videos private. While success is not guaranteed and the company prioritizes direct reports, this could be a promising step in the fight against the rise of deepfakes.
How to report an AI-generated video
If you come across an AI-generated YouTube video of yourself, please report it by:
Please see YouTube's Privacy Complaint Procedure
Follow the steps until you reach the final stage (Step 6), where you'll see an option to “Report altered or synthetic content.”
The option, explained in more detail on YouTube's dedicated page, covers videos that feature “content that looks or sounds like you, but is heavily edited or generated by AI or other tools.”
For example, YouTube can ask you to remove content that uses your name, photo, or other personal information without your consent, and if someone has used AI to alter or create synthetic content that looks or sounds like you, you can ask them to remove that content.
However, to be eligible for removal, content must depict a realistically altered or composite likeness of a user.
What happens when a video is flagged?
After going through YouTube's privacy process, creators have 48 hours to remove the video, and options include removing identifying information or blurring faces.
However, YouTube prioritizes removal and will not accept simply making videos private. While success is not guaranteed and the company prioritizes direct reports, this could be a promising step in the fight against the rise of deepfakes.
