YouTube is testing AI to modify videos without creators’ consent

YouTube has found itself at the center of a scandal following a BBC publication: the platform is secretly using artificial intelligence to process videos. The experiment was found to have taken place without the knowledge of the creators whose videos had been altered.

YouTube has been at the center of a scandal since the BBC published a report that the platform was secretly using artificial intelligence to process videos.

What’s known about YouTube’s experiment

According to the BBC, algorithms are used to “enhance” the image: removing noise, sharpening and eliminating blurriness. However, the result has been controversial – many videos look like they were generated by a neural network.

This was particularly noticeable in the case of famous music blogger Rick Beato. He noticed that in some of his Shorts, his hair looked “weird” and his face looked like it had “makeup on it.”

Analogous findings were demonstrated by author Rhett Shull, detailing the process in his video. He says the changes are sometimes minimal, but the key problem is that it all happens without the content creators’ consent.

Analogous findings were demonstrated by author Rhett Shull, who detailed the process in his video.

Community reaction and YouTube response

YouTube has confirmed the experiment. A spokesperson for the platform said it was about using “traditional machine learning technologies” to improve video quality. However, the company did not specify exactly how many videos were altered or how long it took.

Criticism of YouTube is mounting, with the community deeming the tampering with original videos a breach of trust between the platform and creators. Creators emphasize that they were not notified and could not opt out of the experiment.

Criticism is mounting against YouTube, with the community saying the tampering violated trust between the platform and creators.

What happens next

In the face of mounting pressure, experts don’t rule out YouTube scrapping the experiment. But under the terms of its user agreement, the service formally has the right to make such changes.

The situation underscores the main challenge of the AI era: authors want control over their content, and platforms want to improve the user experience with automated technology. The balance between these interests remains unresolved.