Record companies have been granted more control over music content on YouTube. The platform will now allow music labels and distributors to flag videos that mimic an artist’s unique singing or rapping voice generated through artificial intelligence.
As AI technology for generating text, images, and voices has advanced rapidly this year, it has enabled the creation of highly convincing fake music. One such example was a song featuring computer-generated vocals of Drake and The Weeknd that was taken down after their record label, Universal Music Group, criticized it for using the stars’ likenesses without permission. However, the video can still be viewed on YouTube.
In a blog post, YouTube announced it will trial the new flagging tool with select music partners first before a wider rollout. These partners are also experimenting with generative AI to develop new music content for the platform.
The content removal request feature will now be expanded to include deepfakes – simulated video or audio of identifiable people. Although parodies of public figures may be allowed to remain, YouTube aims to prevent manipulated media from being used to spread misinformation.
Creators will have to disclose any AI-generated or synthetic elements in their videos. Persistent violations of the updated policy through uploads containing manipulated or synthetic content without disclosure could lead to penalty like video removal or loss of ad revenue.
YouTube recognizes the importance of addressing AI-based content, especially around sensitive subjects like elections and public health, to maintain trust in information shared on the site. Completely banned will be AI-generated videos meant to shock or disgust viewers.
This move aligns YouTube’s rules with Meta’s recent requirement for political ads to acknowledge the use of AI in generating or altering their multimedia components like images and audio clips. As deepfakes continue developing, such policies aim to curb their potential negative impacts on civic processes and public trust in facts.
