YouTube has announced the expansion of access to its tool for detecting faces, which helps combat the use of deepfakes. This tool, which currently focuses on facial features, allows individuals to request the removal of videos that use their likenesses without permission. "We recognize that the risk of identity theft using artificial intelligence is particularly high for public figures," the company stated. The tool works by scanning uploaded videos for content that appears to use someone's face. If a match is detected, individuals can review the reported video and request its removal through YouTube's privacy complaint process. Requests do not guarantee video removal, as the platform permits satirical and parody content. Last year, YouTube made the tool available to all general creators. The company said creators who used the tool reported a relatively small number of videos for removal. "It turns out that most of this content is relatively benign or adds a positive contribution to their work overall," said YouTube's Vice President of Creator Products, Amjad Hanif. YouTube plans to expand access to the tool to include any government official, political candidate, or journalist. Technology companies are working to create more safeguards against AI and impersonation. YouTube CEO Neal Mohan stated that one of his top priorities for 2026 is AI transparency and providing protections, including labeling AI-generated content and removing harmful media. YouTube began developing the facial detection tool in 2024 in collaboration with Creative Artists Agency (CAA) and tested it with top creators, including MrBeast and Marques Brownlee.
