YouTube has revealed its plans to introduce specific content guidelines for AI-generated deepfakes, featuring stricter regulations for its music industry collaborators and more relaxed standards for other users. Creators will be mandated to identify “realistic” AI-generated content, especially regarding sensitive subjects like elections or active disputes. YouTube will offer enhanced instructions and examples to define what qualifies as “realistic” content. Failure to correctly label content could lead to removal and loss of monetization.
Requesting Removal of Videos that Simulate Identifiable Individuals
YouTube will now allow individuals to request the removal of videos that simulate the face or voice of an identifiable person using the platform’s existing privacy request form. Factors such as whether the content is parody or satire and whether the individual is a public official or well-known will be taken into account when evaluating these requests. YouTube is establishing its own rules in the absence of specific federal laws regulating AI deepfakes.
No Exceptions for Parody and Satire in AI-Generated Music Content
However, there will be no exceptions for parody and satire when it comes to AI-generated music content from YouTube’s partners. Most AI covers by living and deceased artists would be subject to takedowns by the labels, unless the content is the subject of news reporting, analysis, or critique of the synthetic vocals. YouTube’s automated Content ID system will not include singing and rapping voices. Music removal requests will be made manually through a designated form.
The Challenge of Establishing a Legal Framework for Copyright in the AI Era
YouTube is facing the challenge of operating in the generative AI era without an established legal framework for copyright law. It requires licenses from the music industry in order to compete with platforms like TikTok. However, this raises questions about why the music industry is being treated differently when YouTube’s parent company, Google, is utilizing AI across the entire internet for its own ambitions.