Deepfakes: YouTube Launches AI Detection Tool to Protect Creators’ Faces
While artificial intelligence has yet to solve humanity’s major issues, it has already mastered the creation of increasingly realistic fake videos and deepfakes.
In response to this surge, YouTube has announced the launch of an official AI-generated image detection tool designed to help creators protect their likeness and identity.
YouTube: A New Tool to Detect Videos Using Your Face
This new facial recognition detection tool will allow creators to automatically identify videos that are AI-generated or modified, using their face without permission.
From YouTube Studio, they will be able to:
- view a list of affected videos,
- see the exact segments where their face appears,
- and request the immediate removal of the relevant content.
The goal is to combat misinformation and protect users against the misuse of their image.
Initially, access to this tool will be limited to members of the YouTube Partner Program, before being rolled out to all monetized creators by January 2026.
How Does It Work?
The tool is accessible from the “Content Detection” tab in YouTube Studio.
To use it, creators must first verify their identity by providing an official ID and a selfie video for facial matching.
Once this step is completed, YouTube will send automatic alerts whenever a video using their face is detected.
An Initial Step Against Deepfakes
This initiative comes amid a rise in AI-generated fake videos, particularly with the popularity of tools like Sora and Runway.
While YouTube’s approach is a positive development, it raises questions about privacy: providing an ID and biometric data to protect against deepfakes is not insignificant.
Many users are also calling for greater transparency—such as adding clear warnings on AI-generated videos or isolating such content in a dedicated feed.
Even though this tool aids in removing the most blatant deepfakes, it will not be enough to fully address the issue.
