Political figures and journalists have a free new tool to target unauthorized artificial intelligence “deepfakes,” YouTube announced Tuesday.
The tool allows select individuals to identify and remove AI-generated videos that resemble them. It was first made available to content creators on the platform but was expanded this week to include a “pilot group” of government officials, journalists, and political candidates, according to YouTube.
“It looks for a participant’s likeness in AI-generated content, and if a match is found—like a deepfake of their face—the individual can review the content and request removal if it violates our privacy guidelines,” YouTube said in a blog post.
The platform said that the tool does not guarantee all targeted videos will be removed, citing First Amendment rights.
“While this tool provides a powerful way to manage unauthorized AI-impersonation, detection does not guarantee removal,” the platform wrote. “YouTube has a long history of protecting free expression and content in the public interest—including preserving content like parody and satire, even when used to critique world leaders or influential figures. We’ll continue to carefully evaluate these exceptions when we receive requests for removal.”
MIKE LAWLER BACKS CONSERVATIVE CHALLENGER TO LETITIA JAMES IN NEW YORK ATTORNEY GENERAL RACE
The company will reach out to politicians and journalists on the platform who can then decide if they want to enroll to use the tool, according to NBC News.
“Our goal is to get this technology into the hands of the people who need it, and we have plans to significantly expand access over the coming year,” a YouTube spokesperson said.
