Google began removing YouTube channels with fake trailers.

Video hosting platform intensifies fight against AI-generated content

Google has initiated a large-scale purge on YouTube, targeting channels that publish fake movie trailers created using artificial intelligence technologies. These are videos that were passed off as official materials from major studios and misled viewers.

The decision is part of the platform's stricter policy regarding deceptive content, implemented against the backdrop of rapid growth in generative AI tools and their active use in the media environment.

Popular channels with millions of subscribers removed

YouTube has permanently removed two major channels — Screen Culture and KH Studio. Both specialized in creating fake trailers for upcoming films and series. Combined, the channels had over two million subscribers, and their videos had amassed a total of more than one billion views.

Earlier this year, the video hosting platform had already demonetized these channels following an investigation into the distribution of fake trailers. At that time, the creators added labels like "fan trailer" and "parody" to video titles, which allowed them to restore advertising revenue.

Violation of YouTube's rules led to the ban

As reported by platform representatives, in recent months, the warning labels were removed, and the channels returned to their previous content presentation format. This was considered a violation of YouTube's policies concerning spam and deceptive metadata.

Consequently, the service's administration decided to completely ban the channels with no possibility of restoration.

Hollywood studios profited from fake videos

An investigation also highlighted the fact that several Hollywood studios, including Warner Bros. Discovery and Sony, instead of filing copyright infringement complaints, allegedly asked YouTube to redirect the advertising revenue generated from these fake trailers to them. Studio representatives have not provided official comments on this matter.

Pressure from Disney

It is worth noting that last week, Disney sent Google an official letter demanding the blocking of channels violating its copyrights "on an enormous scale." According to observers, this step was an additional factor that accelerated YouTube's stringent measures.