A brand new controversy has emerged around YouTube after creators discovered that the platform has been quietly altering a few of their uploaded Shorts videos using artificial intelligence without disclosure, raising concerns about creative integrity and transparency.
Reports first emerged earlier this month from numerous creators who claimed that their clips appeared sharper, smoother or unnaturally stylized in comparison with the originals. Some described the effect as “plastic” or “oil painting-like,” with details that had been subtly modified by machine-driven processing.
YouTube insists the updates depend on traditional machine learning tools for unblurring, denoising and clarity enhancements reasonably than generative AI, nevertheless, the outcomes bear a striking resemblance to diffusion-style upscaling models which have turn into common within the broader industry.
In accordance with Rene Ritchie, YouTube’s head of editorial, there was no generative AI or upscaling involved.
“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 (much like what a contemporary smartphone does while you record a video),” Ritchie said on X. “YouTube is at all times working on ways to supply the very best video quality and experience possible and can proceed to take creator and viewer feedback into consideration as we iterate and improve on these features.”
No matter the claimed intent, creators are usually not comfortable. In a single case, a creator often known as Mr. Bravo, who is understood for using VHS-like grain in his productions, claims that the edits stripped away the aesthetic decisions that outline his work. Musicians Rhett Shull and Rick Beato have also reported similar issues with their videos.
Among the many critics against the move by YouTube, Dave Wiskus, chief executive officer of independent streaming platform Nebula Inc., says that the approach taken by YouTube is “disrespectful” and equates the edits to tampering with an artist’s work without permission. Other creator communities on sites akin to Reddit are generally in agreement and are warning that AI-driven alterations could undermine authenticity and blur the road between original and machine-mediated media.
YouTube’s decision to edit existing videos, particularly without disclosure, raises questions around ownership, authenticity and disclosure.
Image: SiliconANGLE/Reve
Support our mission to maintain content open and free by engaging with theCUBE community. Join theCUBE’s Alumni Trust Network, where technology leaders connect, share intelligence and create opportunities.
- 15M+ viewers of theCUBE videos, powering conversations across AI, cloud, cybersecurity and more
- 11.4k+ theCUBE alumni — Connect with greater than 11,400 tech and business leaders shaping the long run through a singular trusted-based network.
About SiliconANGLE Media
Founded by tech visionaries John Furrier and Dave Vellante, SiliconANGLE Media has built a dynamic ecosystem of industry-leading digital media brands that reach 15+ million elite tech professionals. Our latest proprietary theCUBE AI Video Cloud is breaking ground in audience interaction, leveraging theCUBEai.com neural network to assist technology firms make data-driven decisions and stay on the forefront of industry conversations.