YouTube takes down AI-generated 3I/ATLAS content about Harvard’s Avi Loeb

YouTube has removed a channel that published AI-generated videos impersonating Harvard Professor Avi Loeb and spreading false information about the interstellar object 3I/ATLAS.

According to Loeb, the channel used artificial intelligence to make videos that contradicted his written essays and previous statements. The removal happened after Loeb contacted YouTube directly, pointing out the fake content and the risks it posed to public understanding of his work.

In an email to YouTube, Loeb stressed that the videos were clearly fake, noting differences with his real appearances and timeline.

Background of the Fake Channel

The AI-generated channel reportedly targeted the 10 million followers of Loeb’s essays and video interviews. Loeb said the videos included false information about 3I/ATLAS, an interstellar object named after him, which did not match his research.

In his email, Loeb explained:
“Over the past two weeks, I received hundreds of emails from fans who noticed a YouTube channel named after me with fake videos about the interstellar object 3I/ATLAS, created by artificial intelligence (AI).”

Loeb also highlighted that viewers could spot the videos as fake due to visual errors. For instance, the background clock stayed frozen at one time, and the videos did not show a facial injury Loeb had from a podcast trip in Florida. These inconsistencies showed that the content was artificially generated.

YouTube Response and Removal

After Loeb’s email, YouTube removed the channel for violating its community guidelines and Terms of Service. Loeb stated:
“In using AI to generate fake videos impersonating me, this YouTube channel violates several aspects of YouTube’s community guidelines and Terms of Service which should be the basis for YouTube to remove the channel.”

While Loeb and his followers had previously reported the channel, YouTube had not acted until Loeb’s direct communication. Once YouTube’s legal team received the email, the channel was deleted.

Media Coverage and Follow-Up

NBC News contacted Loeb after the removal. The network asked if he kept clips of the AI-generated videos for a report. Loeb confirmed:
“Gladly, such a video clip was featured in a news report a week ago, where the reporter assumed that it was real.”

The case has been mentioned in news coverage about YouTube’s handling of AI misinformation. Loeb is consulting legal advisors at Harvard about possible legal action, though no formal lawsuit has been filed yet.

This incident highlights ongoing concerns about AI-generated content that can misrepresent experts and research. The removal shows that YouTube enforces its rules when impersonation and false content are verified. Loeb continues to monitor online content about his work and engages in discussions about AI and misinformation in science.

Read More: NASA detects unusual Gamma-Ray burst lasting record time