YouTube has officially launched its likeness detection technology for creators in the YouTube Partner Program, a tool designed to identify and help remove AI-generated content that uses their face or voice without consent.
The technology aims to protect creators from the misuse of their identities in AI-generated videos, which can be used to spread misinformation, create false endorsements, or cause reputational harm. The launch follows incidents such as an AI-generated clone of YouTuber Jeff Geerling’s voice being used by a company to promote products without his consent, highlighting the need for such a tool.
Creators can access the tool through a “Likeness” tab in YouTube Studio, where they must first agree to data processing and then verify their identity. This verification process involves scanning a QR code, which directs them to a page where they must upload a photo ID and a short selfie video to confirm their identity.
Once verified, creators can view a dashboard of detected videos that feature their likeness, allowing them to submit removal requests under YouTube’s privacy policies, file a copyright complaint, or archive the videos for record-keeping purposes. This release marks the first phase of the tool’s rollout, with YouTube planning to expand access to additional creators over time.
