AI-Generated Fake News on YouTube Exploits Black Celebrities
YouTube has become ground zero for the proliferation of disinformation through a surge of AI-generated fake news videos targeting prominent Black celebrities. The list includes influential figures such as Sean “Diddy” Combs, TV host Steve Harvey, actor Denzel Washington, and Bishop T.D. Jakes. These deceptive videos, adorned with clickbait titles and manipulated media, weave false narratives around real-life events, amplifying sensationalism and misinformation.
The disconcerting issue has escalated to such an extent that NBC News conducted a thorough review of a dozen YouTube channels, each disseminating what appears to be AI-generated fake news content about Black celebrities. Many of these videos, despite containing misleading titles and thumbnails, have amassed millions of views. The median number of combined views for each channel stood at a staggering 21 million.
Despite being flagged by NBC News, the content persisted both before and after YouTube took action. The platform, in response, terminated three channels for violating its Terms of Service, removed additional channels from its monetization program, and deleted numerous videos and thumbnails. YouTube's Community Guidelines, designed to curb targeted harassment or unwanted sexualization, serve as the governing framework for content on the platform.
The intersection of manipulated and AI-generated fake content on YouTube coincides with Google, its parent company, delving into generative AI technology. Simultaneously, global concerns about disinformation campaigns targeting the 2024 elections are on the rise. In November, YouTube announced its intention to enforce a new policy mandating labels for synthetic and manipulated media in videos; however, the implementation of this system is still pending.
Distinguishing between AI-generated media and media manipulated without AI, often termed "cheapfakes," poses a significant challenge. Among the reviewed channels, one explicitly mentioned the use of "AI text-to-speech technology" for some videos but denied employing AI tools for scripts and thumbnails. The ambiguity is compounded by the fact that AI-generated voice technology, similar to that used in a fake robocall featuring President Joe Biden, is increasingly prevalent.
The deceptive content often intertwines with real, shocking, and scandalous events, allowing these videos to capitalize on existing public interest. By manipulating real news with false information and allegations, the videos strategically position themselves as breaking news, drawing viewers who believe they are accessing new information on already high-profile topics.
Despite YouTube's efforts to curb the spread of disinformation, some channels continue to churn out shocking, false narratives about Black celebrities, often using ads to generate revenue. The algorithmic ranking of these videos in search results and recommended content further exacerbates the problem, as YouTube's and Google's algorithms are also AI-driven.
Real-world consequences include viewers believing and acting upon fabricated information, perpetuating mistrust in mainstream media, and undermining the credibility of legitimate news sources. The issue requires a comprehensive approach, involving technological interventions, policy enforcement, and media literacy efforts to curb the proliferation of AI-generated disinformation on platforms like YouTube.
