YouTube expands AI deepfake likeness detection to all adult users globally
Tags AI · Consumer
YouTube is expanding its AI-powered likeness detection tool — which uses a selfie-style face scan to monitor the platform for deepfake content — to all users over 18, up from its previous limited rollout to creators, politicians, and journalists. When a potential deepfake is detected, YouTube alerts the user and offers the option to request content removal. The expansion comes as AI-generated synthetic media becomes increasingly difficult to distinguish from authentic content.
Technical significance
This is the largest-scale deployment of proactive deepfake detection by a major platform. The technical challenge is enormous — matching a reference face scan against billions of uploaded videos in near-real-time. The expansion to all adults (not just public figures) signals that platforms are shifting from reactive takedown to proactive detection as the volume of AI-generated content accelerates.