Artificial intelligence has made discerning real content from technically manipulated content increasingly difficult. In an effort to counter potential disinformation, YouTube is implementing a new policy requiring content creators to label altered or synthetic content.
YouTube wants users to easily know when videos have been changed using AI tools. The company announced that realistic-looking videos needs labels if they’ve been edited or completely made by artificial intelligence.
Labels have to be added in certain situations. Videos talking about important topics like health, current events, politics and money that have been AI-edited must prominently display a label when playing. For less serious videos, the label can go in the description.
However, labels aren’t always needed. When AI only helps with creation like developing ideas or scripts, no label is required. Unrealistic videos using made-up characters or special effects also don’t need labels. And simple adjustments like applying filters won’t trigger the rule.
YouTube isn’t enforcing the policy with punishments yet, to give creators time to adjust. But eventually, not adding required labels could lead to video removals, account suspensions or demonetization. Other content policies around violence also still apply regardless of labels.
The labels are starting on mobile YouTube apps and will expand to computers and TVs soon. YouTube plans future updates respecting people’s faces and voices in AI content too. Overall, the new rules aim to maintain accountability as AI progresses.
