Image edges began to appear “artificial,” and motion seemed “too smooth,” prompting some to question the reason behind these unexplained changes. Google confirmed that it is using AI to enhance video quality, but it did not inform content creators, creating a lack of transparency.
Creators’ Concerns and Threats to Their Reputation
Creators feel that their work is being altered without their consent. Whether these changes are made by “generative AI” or “traditional machine learning,” the outcome is the same: videos are modified in ways they did not approve. This raises significant concerns, as even suspicion of AI use can lead to criticism from viewers, threatening creators’ reputations and the trust they have built with their audience.
A Call for Transparency
Google stated that this test is “to provide the best video quality” and that it seeks feedback from both viewers and creators to improve it. However, many argue that the company should have been transparent from the start and given creators the option to opt out of this feature. This discussion highlights the growing tension between major tech companies and creators who feel they are losing control over their work in an evolving technological landscape.