YouTube Allows Users to Request Removal of AI-Generated Content Simulating Their Face or Voice

YouTube has rolled out a significant policy update, enabling users to request the removal of AI-generated or synthetic content that mimics their face or voice. This change, which was quietly implemented in June, expands YouTube’s privacy request process to cover these types of AI content. Initially introduced as part of YouTube’s responsible AI agenda in November, this policy allows individuals to flag AI-generated content as a privacy violation, rather than as misleading content like deepfakes.

Under the updated guidelines, affected individuals can request the removal of such content. However, YouTube will assess each complaint on various factors, such as whether the content is clearly labeled as AI-generated, if it uniquely identifies a person, and whether it can be considered parody, satire, or serves the public interest. Additional considerations include whether the AI content involves public figures and if it depicts sensitive behavior like criminal activity or political endorsements, which is particularly relevant during election periods.

YouTube’s Help documentation outlines that first-party claims are required, with certain exceptions for minors, deceased individuals, or those without computer access. Simply submitting a takedown request doesn’t guarantee removal; YouTube will evaluate the complaint based on its criteria.

If a complaint is received, YouTube gives the uploader 48 hours to address it. If the content is removed within this period, the case is closed. Otherwise, YouTube will conduct a review. Content removal entails deleting the video from the site and removing the individual’s personal information from the video’s title, description, and tags. The video cannot simply be made private as it could be restored to public view at any time.

YouTube has not widely publicized this policy change. In March, they introduced a Creator Studio tool for creators to disclose realistic-looking content made with altered or synthetic media, including AI. Recently, YouTube began testing a feature for adding crowdsourced notes to videos to provide additional context, such as indicating if the content is parody or misleading.

Despite experimenting with generative AI, including tools like comment summarizers and conversational Q&A features, YouTube maintains that labeling content as AI-generated does not exempt it from removal. Privacy complaints over AI material are handled separately from Community Guidelines strikes, and content creators will not automatically receive a strike for privacy violations. However, repeat violations may lead to further action against the account.