YouTube is taking steps to address creators' concerns over the use of their content for AI training. In an announcement from TeamYouTube, creators will soon have the ability to control whether third-party companies can use their videos for AI model training directly from Studio Settings.
Creators can permit their videos to be used by major companies, including OpenAI, Microsoft, and others, provided certain conditions are met: the rights holders must allow it, the video must be public, and it must comply with YouTube's guidelines.
This move comes as many content creators express frustration over big tech companies using their work without consent. A recent incident on Bluesky, where a dataset of user posts was released, highlighted these concerns among users seeking alternatives to platforms like X (formerly Twitter).
Additionally, the AI landscape faces legal challenges. A former OpenAI researcher, Suchir Balaji, who raised issues regarding AI training practices, passed away amid a significant lawsuit against OpenAI and Microsoft, alleging misuse of copyrighted materials.
In the UK, nearly 40 creative groups are urging the government to implement copyright protections for AI usage, advocating for a licensing system to ensure fair compensation for creators. In a related development, U.S. artists recently won a landmark case against AI companies for unauthorized use of their works.