YouTube has taken a big step to fight misleading content. YouTube started demonetizing channels for publishing AI-generated fake movie trailers; there are no exceptions, and even several high-profile channels have been affected by this. Channels like Screen Culture and KH Studio Trailers, which boast millions of subscribers, have been removed from the partner program of YouTube, taking them off from the ad revenue opportunities.
YouTube's videos that created hyper-realistic trailers for nonexistent movie sequels and reboots have been accused of deceptively utilizing AI to create clickbait. YouTube's action intends to put a stop to the monetization of these misleading videos, not necessarily stop the videos.
Nonetheless, KH Studios—along with others like it—maintains that their content merely belongs to the tent of creative fan fiction. Meanwhile, YouTube's enforcement, while it may feel heavy-handed, remains in line with a more strict policy that embraces authenticity and trust with viewers, which it can and will defend. Appeals to enforcement may be possible, but the result is uncertain at best.
This is a sign that YouTube is being more proactive in managing AI-generated and misleading content. It also sets an example for how platforms might treat synthetic media in a more general sense as we enter a new era of hyperrealistic AI.