YouTube is trying to expand its disclosures around AI-generated content, with a new aspect within Creator Studio requiring creators to provide information when uploading realistic-looking video created with artificial intelligence (AI) tools.

In this blog, let’s look into the latest mandatory disclosure given by YouTube for AI-created content. Let’s get started!

Why the New Rule?

Consider viewing a news program in which the anchor appears to be reading the headlines, but it is actually a computer-generated simulation.  Isn't this crazy?  If not disclosed, this lifelike AI-generated content has the potential to blur the line between reality and fiction.  YouTube's new regulation seeks to solve this issue by encouraging openness and ensuring users understand exactly what they're seeing.

What Does the Rule Say?

YouTube producers will be forced to select the box when their upload content "is altered or synthetic and appears real," in order to avoid deep fakes and disinformation through distorted or simulated portrayals.

When the option is ticked, a new marker will appear on your video clip, informing the viewer that it is not actual footage.

"The new mark aims to increase openness with viewers and foster trust between producers and their audiences. Some examples of content that requires disclosure include exploiting a realistic person's likeness, editing film of real events or places, and creating realistic sceneries."

YouTube additionally highlights that not all AI applications will require disclosure.

These new restrictions do not apply to AI-generated scripts and production aspects, but "clearly unrealistic content" (i.e. animation), color tweaks, special effects, and beauty filters will be safe to employ even without the new disclosure.

However, any information that may be misleading will require a label. If YouTube identifies the usage of synthetic and/or modified material in your video, it will automatically add one clip for you.

It's the latest step for YouTube in guaranteeing AI openness, after the company announced new rules for AI usage disclosure last year, including labels that would notify consumers of such use.

This new release marks the next step in the development process, providing more criteria for transparency with simulated material.

This is a positive thing. Already, created pictures have caused confusion, and political campaigns have used modified graphics to affect voter perceptions.

And, without a doubt, AI will be used more and more often.

The only issue is, how long will we be able to identify it?

Several techniques are being investigated in this regard, including digital watermarking to guarantee that platforms know when AI has been employed. However, this does not apply to a copy of a copy, such as if a user re-films that AI footage on their phone, removing any possible checks.

There will be workarounds, and as generative AI improves, particularly in video production, it will become increasingly difficult to determine what is genuine and what is not.

These disclosure requirements are crucial because they provide platforms with a mechanism of enforcement. However, they may not be effective for very long.  

Benefits of Transparency

So, what's the big deal about disclosure? Here are a few reasons:

• Building Trust: Understanding when information is AI-generated allows consumers to make more educated choices about what they watch and trust.
• Combating Misinformation: Disclosing AI usage can assist avoid the spread of fake news or misleading content masquerading as actual video.
• Supporting artists: Honest disclosure helps artists who utilize AI ethically to be acknowledged for their efforts.

The Future of AI on YouTube.

AI is a strong tool with enormous potential for creating innovative video content. YouTube's new regulation is not intended to prohibit AI use, but rather to ensure ethical and transparent content development. As AI technology advances, these new principles will contribute to a healthy and informative environment on YouTube for both producers and viewers.

What Does This Mean for You as a Viewer?

Next time you're browsing around YouTube, keep an eye out for those new disclosure labels. It could help you reconsider the stuff you're seeing and appreciate the originality and transparency behind the videos you like.