YouTube has taken the wraps off its new likeness detection AI. This highly advanced tool detects any AI-generated content that impersonates someone’s likeness or voice. This rollout follows the platform’s enthusiastic support of the NO FAKES ACT. This new legislation, modeled closely after H.R. This new legislation would take important steps to address worsening fears about AI-generated replicas.
That new technology has been in full pilot mode since the very beginning of this year. Now, it’s only really available to a relatively small group of eligible creators. In response, a spokesperson from YouTube told Activist Post that these creators have been sent emails alerting them to the upcoming rollout. The new initiative is another positive move by YouTube as part of their long-term strategy to tackle the negative use of AI likenesses.
And back in April, YouTube raised its hand in favor of the NO FAKES ACT. This bill seeks to prohibit AI-generated reproductions that impersonate a person without their permission. The legislation arrives as the misuse of likeness is being increasingly weaponized against women and marginalized communities. A notable case involved the company Elecrow, which utilized an AI clone of popular YouTuber Jeff Geerling’s voice to promote its products, raising ethical concerns regarding consent and ownership of personal likenesses.
YouTube’s likeness detection technology is designed to protect creators and their audiences from these types of abuses. The platform is using this technology to help provide a safer ecosystem for content creators. It will uphold that none of their identities can be duplicated without consent. The rollout will initially focus on a handful of top creators, allowing YouTube to refine the technology based on their feedback and experiences.
Lauren Forris, who covers media, streaming, apps, and platforms at TechCrunch, broke the news. She noted that this technology is unique. From our perspective it does a great job addressing the issues caused by AI-generated content. As platforms grow and change, these are becoming not only necessary, but vital protections.