YouTube launches AI detection tools for creators, actors and musicians

One side effect of the proliferation of generative AI tools is the proliferation of abuse. Actors, musicians, athletes, digital creators, and others are having their likenesses copied or digitally altered, sometimes for less than noble reasons.

Video platform YouTube says it is developing new tools to address these issues, as well as the problem of AI companies trying to scrape its content.

In a blog post published Thursday morning, YouTube announced two tools designed to detect and manage AI-generated content that uses their voice or image. The first tool, a “synthetic singing identification technology” that will be integrated into its existing Content ID system, “will enable partners to automatically detect and manage AI-generated content on YouTube that simulates their singing voice.”

The company says it is currently refining the technology, with a pilot program planned for early 2025.

The second tool, still in development, “will enable people across a range of industries – from creators and actors to musicians and athletes – to detect and manage AI-generated content featuring their faces on YouTube.” The company did not say when it expects to be ready to roll it out.

It’s not yet clear what creators will be able to do with the new tools, though Content ID offers rights holders a menu of options, such as taking down, removing rights-impacted content, or sharing ad revenue.

YouTube is leaning on AI, launching new tools like Dream Screen and a tool that uses AI to help creators come up with video ideas, but it’s also relying on the technology to help identify abuse.

The platform is also facing an insatiable demand for training data from AI companies like OpenAI and Anthropic. YouTube stresses that scraping its data is a violation of its terms of service and will oppose any attempt to do so. However, it also adds that some of its creators may have their own opinions on the matter and is planning tools that would give creators more say in how third parties use their data.

“As AI evolves, we believe it should enhance human creativity, not replace it,” the company wrote in the blog post. “We are committed to working with our partners to ensure that future advancements amplify their voices, and we will continue to develop safeguards to address concerns and achieve our shared goals.”