11 hours ago
Google (GOOGL) Is Training AI on YouTube Videos, and Creators Didn't Even Know
Tech giant Google (GOOGL) is using part of its huge library of YouTube videos (around 20 billion in total) to train AI models like Gemini and Veo 3, according to CNBC. Although the company says it only uses a portion of the videos and follows agreements with creators and media companies, this still means that billions of minutes of content are used for training. Unsurprisingly, YouTube says that it has always used content to improve its products and now has protections to help creators control how their image is used in the age of AI. However, creators can't stop Google from using their videos for its own AI models, and many weren't aware this was happening.
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As a result, some experts and creators are worried. Indeed, tools like Trace ID from a company called Vermillio, which is used to detect overlaps between AI-generated videos and original ones, have found that Veo 3 has created videos very similar to existing YouTube content. One example showed a Veo 3 video closely matched a video from creator Brodie Moss, with a score of 71 for the video and over 90 for just the audio. While some creators welcome the competition, others feel their work is being used unfairly, without credit, consent, or payment.
This news comes at a time when the entertainment world is pushing back, as Disney (DIS) and Universal (CMCSA) recently filed a lawsuit against AI company Midjourney for copyright issues. Google, meanwhile, says it will take legal responsibility if users face copyright complaints over content created with Veo 3. YouTube has also partnered with the Creative Artists Agency to help top talent manage how their image is used in AI. But some say YouTube's tools aren't reliable. In fact, U.S. lawmakers, like Senator Josh Hawley, argue that stronger rights are needed to protect people's images and creations as AI advances.
Is Google Stock a Good Buy?
Turning to Wall Street, analysts have a Strong Buy consensus rating on GOOGL stock based on 29 Buys and nine Holds assigned in the past three months. Furthermore, the average GOOGL price target of $199.11 per share implies 14.88% upside potential from current levels.
