YouTube has recently quietly introduced a new policy that allows users to request the deletion of content generated by AI that mimics their facial or voice features, in response to the rapid rise of AI-generated content and its impact on the platform.
Under the new policy, affected individuals can request the deletion of AI-generated content based on privacy invasion reasons through YouTube's privacy request process. YouTube emphasizes that, except for special cases (such as minors, those unable to use computers, or deceased individuals), the deletion request must be made directly by the party concerned.
YouTube states that submitting a deletion request does not guarantee that the content will be deleted. The company will make judgments based on various factors, including:
1. Whether the content is labeled as synthetic or AI-made
2. Whether an individual can be uniquely identified
3. Whether the content can be considered parody, satire, or of public interest value
4. Whether the content involves public figures or celebrities
5. Whether the content displays sensitive behavior, such as criminal activities or support for specific products/political candidates
YouTube will also give content uploaders 48 hours to address the complaint. If the content is deleted during this period, the complaint will be closed; otherwise, YouTube will initiate a review. It is worth noting that deletion means completely removing the video and removing relevant personal information from the video title, description, and tags.
The company has not widely promoted the policy change, but in March of this year, it launched a tool in Creator Studio that allows creators to disclose whether realistic content is made using modified or synthetic media (including generative AI). The company has also recently started testing a feature that allows users to add crowdsourced comments to provide more background information for videos, such as whether the video is a parody or misleading.
YouTube emphasizes that AI content must comply with community guidelines, and simply labeling AI content does not guarantee that it will not be deleted. The company also states that the deletion of content due to privacy complaints will not automatically result in punishment for creators, but action may be taken against accounts that repeatedly violate the rules.