(Web Desk) -Google owned video streaming giant, YouTube has quietly implemented a policy change aimed at safeguarding individuals' privacy rights in response to the growing challenges posed by AI-generated content.
YouTube now allows people to request the removal of synthetic content that mimics their voice or appearance, effective from June. This update expands on their commitment to responsible AI practices initially outlined in November.
YouTube now encourages affected parties to request takedowns on grounds of privacy violations, unlike previous policies that primarily targeted misleading deepfakes.
The updated guidelines, detailed in YouTube’s Help documentation, outline a process where individuals can submit first-party claims, with exceptions such as minors or deceased persons. However, submitting a takedown request does not guarantee removal.
YouTube exercises discretion, considering factors like whether the AI-generated content is clearly labelled, whether it uniquely identifies an individual, and whether it serves a purpose such as parody or satire.
Public figures and individuals engaged in sensitive activities like criminal behaviour or political endorsements are also under scrutiny, especially given concerns over potential impacts on elections.
Upon receiving a complaint, YouTube gives the uploader 48 hours to respond. If the content is removed within this period, the case is closed; otherwise, a review process is initiated.
The platform emphasizes that removal entails scrubbing personal identifiers from the video, including names and tags, and prohibits merely setting videos to private as a compliance measure.
While these changes were not widely publicized, YouTube has been gradually implementing tools to address synthetic media concerns.
Earlier updates included features for creators to disclose AI-generated content and test features for adding context notes to videos.
Despite these measures, YouTube remains supportive of AI technologies, having integrated them into various tools like comment summarizers and recommendation systems.
Nonetheless, the platform warns that simply labelling AI-generated content may not shield it from removal if it violates Community Guidelines.
For creators, YouTube clarifies that privacy complaints are separate from Community Guidelines strikes and do not automatically lead to penalties like upload restrictions. However, repeated violations may prompt action against accounts.
YouTube's latest policy adjustments reflect a proactive approach to balancing AI innovation with privacy protection amid evolving concerns over digital impersonation and misinformation.