YouTube Debuts AI Likeness Scanner to Combat Unauthorized Creator Deepfakes

New AI Tool for Creator Protection

YouTube has begun rolling out a new artificial intelligence feature designed to help popular creators detect and report deepfakes and other unauthorized synthetic media that use their likeness, according to reports. The tool, now accessible to members of the YouTube Partner Program, allows creators to identify videos that feature AI-generated versions of their face or persona without permission.

New AI Tool for Creator Protection
How the Detection System Operates
Phased Rollout and Early Testing
YouTube’s Broader AI Content Strategy

How the Detection System Operates

Sources indicate that the process requires creators to first verify their identity before gaining access to a “Content Detection” tab within YouTube Studio. There, they can review videos that the system has flagged as potentially containing unauthorized AI-generated content featuring their likeness. If a creator confirms a video is an unauthorized deepfake, they can submit a removal request directly through the interface., according to related coverage

Analysts suggest the technology functions similarly to YouTube’s established Content ID system, which is used to detect copyrighted audio and video, but is specifically tailored for AI-generated visual likenesses. However, the report states that the tool is still in development and may sometimes flag legitimate content, such as clips from a creator’s own uploads, alongside synthetic media.

Phased Rollout and Early Testing

The first wave of eligible creators was reportedly notified via email, with a broader rollout planned over the coming months. This follows a pilot program initiated in December with talent represented by Creative Artists Agency (CAA). At the time, YouTube’s blog post announced that the collaboration would provide early access to technology for identifying and managing AI-generated content at scale.

YouTube’s Broader AI Content Strategy

This likeness detection tool is not YouTube’s only measure to address the challenges posed by AI-generated content. Last March, the platform began requiring creators to label uploads that include AI-generated or altered content and announced a strict policy concerning AI-generated music that mimics an artist’s unique singing or rapping voice. These steps are part of a larger effort to balance innovation with creator protection, as YouTube and its parent company Google continue to develop and promote AI video generation and editing tools.

As synthetic media technology advances, platforms like YouTube are under increasing pressure to implement effective safeguards. This new detection feature represents a significant step in providing creators with more control over their digital likeness and addressing the potential misuse of AI on one of the world’s largest video platforms.