Sneaking By The Censors: How AI Videos Trick YouTube
Although YouTube has various safeguards to protect children, its algorithm isn't foolproof. By virtue of the number of AI videos uploaded on the site, YouTube can't go through every single one with a fine-toothed comb. It's through exploiting the loopholes that AI and Deepfake videos find their intended targets.
A few unassuming thumbnails, titles, and keywords can trick YouTube into recommending an AI or Deepfake video directly after one that is apporpriate for their age bracket.
For example, one minute, your child is watching a clip from an official Spider-Man cartoon from Disney, and suddenly, they're funneled into watching an AI video of Spider-Man hanging out with Freddy Krueger reciting obscene rap lyrics.
How You Can Keep Your Kids Safe
Even though AI videos are becoming an increasingly pervasive issue for parents, there are several ways they can fight back.
Turn Off Autoplay
First of all, you have to turn off autoplay. YouTube's primary objective is to keep users on the platform, and autoplaying recommended videos allows them to do just that.
auto-playAs previously mentioned, YouTube may use keywords, characters, and subject matter to recommend a video similar to the one your child just finished watching. Unless you check every video your child consumes, autoplay is a portal for undesirable content.
YouTube Kids Is a Safe Bet
Depending on their age, YouTube Kids is another great option. That isn't to say YouTube Kids is completely free of strange content, but the platform does work tirelessly to cultivate a safe environment for little ones.
Create Your Own Playlists
Another great option is for parents to curate their own playlists for kids. By creating playlists, you provide your children with hours of content you approve of that don't require constant oversight. You get to focus on work and chores while your kids are entertained by content that reflects your values.
Parental Controls
You can also use technology to beat technology. Aside from the parental controls within YouTube, there are a ton of useful parental control apps. With parental control apps, you can monitor content and control screen time.
Watch With Your Kids
And lastly, you can share some screen time with your kids. As parents and guardians, we often forget that children are always excited to share their world with us. Use their innate desire to share to spend quality time and keep them safe from unsavory AI content.