YouTube Expands AI Likeness Detection Tool to All Adult Users

YouTube is expanding its AI likeness detection program to all users over the age of 18. The change means any adult with a YouTube account can have the platform monitor for potential deepfakes of themselves. The likeness detection feature uses a selfie-style scan of a person's face to monitor YouTube for lookalikes.

If there is a match, the company alerts the user. The user then has the option to request that YouTube remove the content. The company has said in the past that it has found the number of removal requests to be very small. Takedown requests are evaluated using YouTube's privacy policy.

The company considers removals based on criteria such as whether the content is realistic, is labeled as AI-generated, and if a person can be uniquely identified.

YouTube began testing the feature with content creators.

It then expanded the tool to government officials, politicians, journalists, and finally the entertainment industry. The expansion to any user 18 years or older gives the average person the ability to monitor content on YouTube that could use their likeness.

There are carveouts for things like parody or satire. The tool only covers facial likeness and does not include other identifying features like a person's voice. Users can withdraw from the program and have YouTube delete their data. The news was announced on YouTube's creator forum.

A spokesperson said the expansion gives the same level of protection to those who have been uploading for a decade or are just starting. Deepfake content often centers on celebrities, politicians or other public figures. The ability to create a convincing digital replica has also raised concerns for private citizens.