YouTube has initiated a requirement for creators to disclose the use of “altered or synthetic” content, including that generated by AI, following its announcement of the initiative late last year. The platform now mandates that creators confirm whether their videos include such content, defined as media that appears realistic but is produced using altered or synthetic means. This disclosure aims to inform viewers about videos created using generative AI technology.
Examples provided by YouTube of altered or synthetic content encompass digitally replacing faces, altering real events or places, and generating realistic scenes depicting fictional major events. However, the line between what constitutes altered content remains somewhat ambiguous. YouTube excludes certain effects like color adjustments, background blur, and beauty filters from the disclosure requirement, deeming them as not qualifying as altered content, even when AI-generated.
The platform stresses the importance of disclosing deepfakes and warns that failure to do so could result in penalties such as suspension from the Partner Program. Undisclosed content may also be labeled by YouTube to mitigate potential harm to viewers, with creators facing removal of content or suspension from the program for consistent non-disclosure.
YouTube plans to introduce viewer-facing labels for “altered or synthetic” content across mobile, desktop, and TV platforms in the coming weeks. The rollout of the disclosure checkbox for creators began today.
