YouTube is broadening its AI likeness detection initiative, now making it available to all users aged 18 and above. This means almost anyone can leverage the platform to search for potential deepfakes of themselves.
This innovative feature employs a selfie-style scan of an individual’s face to scour YouTube for lookalikes. Should it identify a match, YouTube notifies the user, who then has the option to request the removal of the content. Historically, YouTube has reported that the volume of removal requests has been “very small.”
Initially, YouTube tested this feature with content creators before extending it to government officials, politicians, journalists, and members of the entertainment industry. Now, by opening it up to anyone over 18, YouTube empowers everyday users to keep an eye on content that may misuse their likeness. Takedown requests are assessed under YouTube’s privacy policy, considering factors like realism, AI-generated labeling, and unique identification of the person. There are exceptions for parody or satire, and the tool is limited to facial likeness, excluding other identifiers such as voice. Users can opt out and have their data deleted.
The announcement was made on YouTube’s creator forum, and spokesperson Jack Malon emphasized that there are no specific requirements for what defines a “creator” who can participate.
“With this expansion, we’re ensuring that all creators, whether they have been uploading for years or are just beginning, will have the same level of protection,” Malon stated via email.
