YouTube Expands AI Likeness Detection to All Users Over 18 to Combat Deepfakes
YouTube rolls out likeness detection for all over-18 users to combat AI deepfakes

Image: The Indian Express
YouTube has announced the expansion of its AI-powered likeness detection tool to all users over 18, allowing them to monitor and take action against potential deepfakes of themselves. The tool alerts users if their likeness is detected in content, enabling takedown requests.
- 01The likeness detection tool was initially launched in October 2025 for select creators and has now been made available to all users over 18.
- 02YouTube's tool scans the platform for lookalikes based on a user's selfie-style scan and sends alerts for potential matches.
- 03Users can request the removal of flagged content, although the tool may also identify videos featuring the user's actual face.
- 04YouTube aims to provide equal protection for all users, regardless of their creator status.
- 05The number of removal requests made through this tool has been reported as very small.
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On May 16, YouTube announced the expansion of its AI-powered likeness detection program to all users aged 18 and older, allowing them to monitor for AI-generated deepfakes of their likeness. This tool, which was first introduced in October 2025, enables users to scan the platform for lookalikes based on a selfie-style scan of their face. If a match is found, users receive an alert and can request the removal of the flagged content. YouTube spokesperson Jack Malon emphasized that this feature provides equal protection for all users, whether they are long-time creators or newcomers. While the tool primarily targets deepfakes that often affect public figures, it also addresses concerns about individual users being targeted. However, YouTube cautions that the tool might also identify genuine videos featuring the user's face, which cannot be removed under privacy policies. To access the feature, users can navigate to YouTube Studio and enable the likeness detection tool. Despite its availability, the platform reports a very small number of removal requests made using this tool.
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This expansion allows ordinary users to protect their likenesses online, potentially reducing the risk of misuse through deepfakes.
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