As per the latest guidelines established by YouTube, music labels now have the authority to request the removal of music that incorporates AI-generated versions of artists’ voices.
A new tool introduced by the video platform enables audio labels and distributors to flag content that mimics an artist’s distinctive vocal style. This tool aims to identify imitations of an artist’s “unique singing or knocking voice.”
One of the consequences of the recent advancements in conceptual AI technology, which can generate text, images, and voice based on specific prompts, is the emergence of counterfeit AI-produced music.
An example of this phenomenon is the track “Heart on My Sleeve,” where AI-generated voices imitated those of Drake and the Weeknd. Following criticism from Universal Music Group, the record label representing both artists, for infringing on material created using conceptual AI, the track was removed from streaming services. Nevertheless, the music remains accessible to YouTube users.
YouTube, owned by Google, revealed in a blog post that it would initially test the new features with selected labels and distributors before implementing them more broadly. The platform mentioned that the participating group is engaged in early AI music experiments utilizing generative AI tools to develop content.
In an effort to enhance YouTube’s content moderation process, users can now report deepfakes as well.
While comedic content or deepfakes featuring public figures may not be subject to removal, YouTube will enable the removal of AI-generated or manipulated content that simulates a recognizable individual, including their voice or appearance.
According to Jennifer Flannery O’Connor and Emily Moxley, Vice Presidents of Content Control at YouTube, not all requested content removals will be granted, as multiple factors will be considered in the evaluation process.
YouTube creators will be mandated to disclose the production of artificial or manipulated content, such as AI-generated material. They may also have the option to flag such content during the upload process. Persistent violations of these guidelines could lead to the removal of content or suspension of monetization.
YouTube emphasizes the significance of these new AI guidelines, especially in contexts involving sensitive subjects like elections, ongoing conflicts, public health crises, or prominent figures.
Content addressing sensitive topics may receive heightened scrutiny, with AI-generated content being clearly labeled and detailed in the video description. Any AI-generated content that breaches existing guidelines, such as chemically produced violent videos designed to shock or repulse, will be promptly removed by YouTube.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, recently announced that advertisers utilizing AI in their promotions may be obligated to disclose this fact. This disclosure requirement extends to instances where images, videos, or music are manipulated to depict individuals engaging in actions they did not actually perform.
The proliferation of deepfakes poses a threat to the integrity of information and public trust, as highlighted by warnings from the British government regarding the potential impact on accurate information, institutions, and democratic processes.
Instances of false audio recordings, like those depicting London Mayor Sadiq Khan making disparaging remarks about Armistice Day, circulated on social media platforms last year, underscoring the need for vigilance against misleading content.
