YouTube announced on Thursday that it is developing new technology to protect artists and creators from unauthorized use of their likenesses through AI-generated content.
The company plans to roll out pilot programs early next year, including tools to detect and manage AI-generated depictions of a person’s face or singing voice.
The upcoming face-detection technology will allow individuals across various industries to identify and take action on content featuring AI-generated versions of their faces. YouTube aims to empower creators, actors, musicians, and athletes to control how their likenesses are used in videos, although a release date for the tools has not yet been provided.
In addition, YouTube is enhancing its Content ID system with “synthetic-singing identification” technology. This tool will enable partners to detect and manage content that uses AI-generated versions of their singing voices.
“As AI evolves, we believe it should enhance human creativity, not replace it,” said Amjad Hanif, YouTube’s vice president of creator products, in a blog post. He emphasized the company’s commitment to working with partners to ensure AI advancements support, rather than undermine, their creative efforts.