YouTube Under Fire! Creators Say Shorts Are Being Altered Using AI Without Consent

Several YouTube content creators have raised concerns about the platform potentially using artificial intelligence (AI) to modify their Shorts videos. They claim these AI-generated effects were applied without their consent, and they were not informed by YouTube about such changes. In response (obtained via Gadgets360), YouTube acknowledged that some Shorts were being edited with "traditional machine learning technology" as part of an ongoing experiment, clarifying that no generative AI was involved.

Rhett Shull, a YouTube creator, highlighted this issue in a video noticed by BBC. He demonstrated that his videos appeared different when uploaded to YouTube compared to Instagram. By placing both versions side-by-side, he noted that the Shorts version seemed "smoothened," resembling an "oil painting effect" on his face.

Creators Slam YouTube for Quietly Tweaking Shorts Videos With AI

Photo Credit: AI Generated

YouTube's Machine Learning Experiment

Another user on Reddit shared similar experiences in a post dated June 27, titled "YouTube Shorts are almost certainly being AI upscaled." The user provided screenshots of a video at various resolutions to support claims that AI was altering specific details. Both users observed changes like smoother faces, sleeker hair, and erased shirt wrinkles.

These creators described the alterations as deceptive and malicious since YouTube did not communicate these modifications. Rene Ritchie, YouTube's head of editorial and creator liaison, addressed the issue on X (formerly Twitter), stating: "No GenAI, no upscaling. We're running an experiment on select YouTube Shorts that uses traditional machine learning technology to unblur, denoise, and improve clarity in videos during processing (similar to what a modern smartphone does when you record a video)."

Clarifications from YouTube

Despite Ritchie's explanation, many users accused the company of misleading them by using "machine learning" instead of AI. Ritchie further clarified: "GenAI typically refers to technologies like transformers and large language models, which are relatively new. Upscaling typically refers to taking one resolution (like SD/480p) and making it look good at a higher resolution (like HD/1080p). This isn't using GenAI or doing any upscaling."

YouTuber Rhett Shull expressed his dissatisfaction in a video: "I did not consent to this." He emphasized the importance of trust between creators and their audience: "The most important thing I have as a YouTube creator is that you trust what I'm making, what I'm saying, and what I'm doing is truly me... Replacing or enhancing my work with some AI upscaling system not only erodes that trust with the audience but also erodes my trust in YouTube."

The ongoing debate highlights concerns about transparency and consent regarding technological experiments on content platforms. As creators continue voicing their opinions, it remains crucial for platforms like YouTube to maintain open communication with their users.