Children are being directed to false scientific films created by AI on YouTube, according to the BBC

According to BBC journalists, YouTube channels produce fake “scientific” films using AI, and YouTube simultaneously suggests these movies to kids alongside actual instructional materials.

The research team has located more than 50 channels that broadcast false material posing as science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) content in more than 20 different languages. The makers marketed their “bad science” films as “educational content,” increasing the likelihood that parents would suggest them to kids. To draw viewers in and make outrageous assertions, these videos featured sensationalist commentary, appealing titles, and dramatic imagery. Over a million people subscribe to several channels, and millions of people frequently watch videos.

For the purpose of determining if and how the “fake science” videos would be promoted to kids, the team established kid-friendly profiles on YouTube’s main page. The accounts began to receive recommendations for AI-generated “fake science” videos after four days of watching reliable scientific education films. Any ‘fake science’ videos that were clicked on were followed by recommendations for more videos like them.

The BBC got in touch with a number of businesses that create deceptive AI material. One person responded by saying their material was for “entertainment purposes.” YouTube’s response was that it advised youngsters under the age of 13 to utilize “YouTube Kids,” which has a “higher bar” for video quality.

Why is it important?

These deceptive films produced by AI would pique children’s interest. They run the danger of making kids unsure of what is real. Such deceptive information will become easier to develop and harder to detect as AI becomes more potent. Understanding the true effects of AI-generated content on children’s intellect and learning is urgently needed, and there must be explicit safeguards in place to address any potential dangers.

Furthermore, it is debatable what accountability hosting services like YouTube should have given that they make money from the advertisements that run alongside these deceptive films. The channels generate more money from the commercials the more people watch the content. High-performing material is also advantageous for YouTube, which receives around 40% of the revenue from advertisements on other people’s channels.