YouTube secretly used artificial intelligence to modify creators’ videos without notification or consent, making subtle changes to their appearance[1]. According to Rick Beato, who runs a YouTube channel with over 5 million subscribers, he noticed strange alterations in his videos - his hair looked different and it appeared he was wearing makeup[1:1].
The AI modifications included sharpening skin in some areas while smoothing it in others, defining wrinkles in clothing more clearly, and causing subtle warping of features like ears[1:2]. YouTuber Rhett Shull, who investigated the changes, said “If I wanted this terrible over-sharpening I would have done it myself… I think that deeply misrepresents me and what I do and my voice on the internet”[1:3].
The unauthorized AI enhancements represent a concerning trend where artificial intelligence increasingly mediates reality before it reaches viewers, potentially eroding authentic connections between creators and their audiences[1:4].
There’s a term in art called “authorial control.” Roger Ebert used the term to attack video games as art, saying they lacked “authorial control” and hence invalid for art.
The claim I hear in this is the AI taking away the control of the author. Yes, videos are edited, but there’s a bunch of choices made in that process. If some robot came in & started mucking around with my edits or lighting, especially without my knowledge, that’s a major red flag. YT, as a platform, already has enough problems. Invisible robots “enhancing” videos is perhaps one of the worst features they can add. Unwanted help is not help.