YouTube recommended AI-generated disinformation videos to children as educational content
BBC journalists found over 50 YouTube channels using generative AI to create false scientific videos disguised as educational content. YouTube's recommendation algorithm suggested these videos to children alongside legitimate content. Children who watched the videos believed the false information, such as alien conspiracies and electric pyramids. YouTube said it was committed to removing misinformation but did not comment on advertising revenue from the misleading videos.
- Company involved
- YouTube
3 source articles · read the reporting →
YouTube algorithm radicalized Christchurch shooter leading to mosque attack
In March 2019, a terrorist killed 51 worshippers in two New Zealand mosques. A New Zealand government report found that YouTube's recommendation algorithm was a significant source of radicalization for the shooter, who regularly watched extremist content. YouTube has since taken steps to remove hate speech content but researchers say the underlying business model and opaque algorithms still enable radicalization.
- Company involved
- YouTube (Google)
- AI system involved
- YouTube recommendation algorithm
10 source articles · read the reporting →
YouTube autocomplete algorithm suggested child sexual abuse phrases
YouTube's search autofill algorithm suggested pedophiliac phrases such as 'how to have s*x with your kids' to users searching for 'how to have'. Dozens of users reported the disturbing results. YouTube acknowledged the issue, removed the autocomplete suggestions, and said it is investigating the cause, which may be a coordinated trolling campaign.
- Company involved
- YouTube
- AI system involved
- YouTube autocomplete algorithm
10 source articles · read the reporting →
Cyberattack on UAE TV service shows AI anchor with Gaza content
A cyberattack on Sunday night disrupted TV services for UAE residents using the HK1RBOXX streaming device, replacing regular programming with an AI-generated news bulletin about Palestinian suffering in Gaza. The set-top box provider acknowledged the hack and said it was investigating. The incident caused distress to viewers, including families with children, who were exposed to graphic content.
- Company involved
- HK1RBOXX streaming device provider
- AI system involved
- HK1RBOXX
9 source articles · read the reporting →
Runway accused of training Gen-3 on scraped YouTube videos and pirated films
Runway, the AI company behind the Gen-3 video generator, is accused of training its model on thousands of YouTube videos and pirated films without permission, according to a leaked internal spreadsheet obtained by 404 Media. The spreadsheet lists thousands of YouTube channels belonging to major media companies and popular creators. A former employee said the company used proxies to scrape videos from YouTube. After being contacted by 404 Media, Runway stopped generating videos that named specific YouTubers, but did not respond to requests for comment.
- Company involved
- Runway
- AI system involved
- Gen-3
5 source articles · read the reporting →
Deepfake video falsely shows PornHub banner on CNN's Magic Wall
A viral video appeared to show a PornHub banner pop up on CNN's Magic Wall behind anchor John King. The video was actually a deepfake, created by editing a real CNN clip. The article from Mediaite debunks the video, showing it was faked. The creator of the deepfake is unknown.
10 source articles · read the reporting →
