YouTube is making new tools to protect creators from AI copycats

YouTube is developing new tools to help creators manage content that copies their voice or likeness using generative AI. The first tool, a synthetic-singing identification technology, will automatically detect and manage YouTube content that simulates artists' singing voices using AI. This tool will be tested under a pilot program next year and sits within YouTube's existing Content ID copyright identification system. YouTube is also working on a tool to identify facial deepfakes of creators, actors, musicians, and athletes on the platform, although it is still in active development. The platform is also pledging to crack down on anyone scraping the platform to build AI tools, which violates YouTube's Terms of Service. YouTube believes that AI should enhance human creativity, not replace it, and is committed to working with partners to ensure future advancements amplify their voices. The platform will continue to develop guardrails to address concerns and achieve common goals. YouTube is also developing ways to give creators more choices regarding how third-party AI companies are permitted to use their content on the platform, with further details to be shared later this year. Over 200 artists, including Billie Eilish, Pearl Jam, and Katy Perry, have expressed concerns about unauthorized AI-generated mimicry, describing it as an "assault on human creativity."