In a significant move given the obvious global events, and with the midterm elections approaching, YouTube is expanding its likeness detection tool to political and civic leaders, as well as journalists, in a bid to curb AI-generated content that may seek to misinform or mislead users of the platform.

Politicos and journalists that participate will (after their identities have been verified by YouTube) be able to review videos that have been determined to feature their likeness, and request removal if it violates YouTube’s privacy policies. Generative AI, of course, has made it trivially easy to fake the likeness or voice of someone else.

YouTube first announced the tool in December 2024, initially rolling it out to A-list actors and athletes. Last year it expanded it to top creators, and now the company says some 4 million creators in the YouTube Partner Program have signed up to use it.

“We’ve always known that there was a need for this tech to go beyond just creators, and so today, we’re excited to announce that we’re going to expand this pilot to journalists and government officials, and we’re starting with a pilot group so we can learn how this group of users will use it to protect their identities online,” says Amjad Hanif, VP of Creator Products for YouTube, in a briefing with members of the press ahead of the feature’s launch. “And as we learn more from election cycles and how journalists use it, we’ll expand it to an even broader group of folks.”

“This expansion is really about the integrity of the public conversation,” adds Leslie Miller, VP of government affairs & public policy for YouTube. “We know that the risks of AI impersonation are particularly high for those in the civic space.”

The company declined to comment on which political leaders, civic leaders and journalists will be invited into the pilot program, though they said that they expect to ramp it up quickly.

“We’ve been in regular conversations with folks, and we encourage policymakers and others to reach out to the out to us if they want to learn more and fold into the ways in which we are expanding this,” Miller says.

Importantly, YouTube is also making it clear that the principles of free expression will apply, lest politicians attempt to abuse the tool:

“While we are providing this new shield, we’re also being careful about how we use it,” Miller says. “Detection does not mean automatic takedown. YouTube has a long history of protecting free expression, and that includes parody, satire and political critique. If a video of a world leader is clear parody, it’s likely to stay up.”

Hanif notes that, among the celebrities and YouTube creators that already use the tool, the number of removal requests is surprisingly small.

“They may see lots of matches, and I think for a lot of them, it’s just been the awareness of what’s being created,” he says. “But the volume of actually removal requests is really, really low, because most of it turns out to be fairly benign or additive to their overall business.”

The video platform also released a video explaining the tool and what it will mean for those now eligible to use it. (Hollywood Reporter)

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Russia’s internet regulator Roskomnadzor has removed”youtube.com” from its DNS (Domain Name System) servers. If a user tries to access the site directly without a VPN (Virtual Private Network), their router can no longer assign the address to its IP address.

This means that You Tube is no longer accessible in Russia. The WhatsApp domain has also disappeared from Roskomnadzor’s servers. The Russian government has also launched a campaign against the messenger app Telegram, leading analysts to say Roskomnadzor is cracking down on platforms beyond its control.

If DNS servers are like the internet’s phone book, IP addresses are numbers assigned to computers, smartphones and routers to make them accessible and identifiable.

A VPN creates an encrypted connection between a user’s device and a server, allowing the user to bypass geo-blocking and surf anonymously.

DW reviewed tips from experts and internet users on how to circumvent Russian blocks. In an anonymous survey, when asked whether they had noticed problems with YouTube in Russia, 46% of respondents told DW they used the video platform via a VPN, 24% reported ongoing connection problems despite using a VPN. Another 27% told DW they did not live in Russia, while 3% said they did not use a VPN and had experienced disruptions.

NDNS: Alternative internet directory
The DNS servers of Roskomnadzor should actually be referred to as NDNS, or the National Domain Name System, according to internet censorship expert Michael Klimarev, who posted this on the Telegram channel zatelecom.

He said the software and hardware system had been introduced in Russia alongside the Sovereign Internet Law.

“It is an alternative ‘internet directory’ that Russian telecommunications providers must use,” he explained.

He added that according to the law, Russian providers are not allowed to use international domain registrars but only NDNS, enabling the authorities to control access to websites centrally.

According to the na_sviazi Telegram channel, 13 domain names were recently removed from NDNS, including those of DW, BBC, Radio Liberty, Facebook and Instagram.

Until now, Roskomnadzor had primarily used Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) to restrict internet access. This data processing technology enables internet traffic to be analyzed and filtered.

DPI can also slow data transmission and ensure videos load slowly or not at all for Russian YouTube users. So, in the past, the video platform was technically available, but did not always work.

Independent telecommunications expert Alexey Uchakin told the business portal of the Russian media group RBC that he presumed Roskomnadzor’s capacity to slow down data transmission was limited, and the regulator might have opted for more restrictions to free up its own resources to block Telegram.

‘Nothing works without a VPN’

In comments on DW’s YouTube channel, users reported a deterioration in the quality of access to the internet.

“Even with a VPN, there is a noticeable slowdown and instability,” noted one user.

“YouTube is more difficult to watch,” said another, adding: “But I don’t think that’s because of YouTube but because of the VPN. I use free versions.”

Another user said they never turned off the VPN on their laptop “because nothing works without it.”

Tips on how to circumvent blocks are already being exchanged on social networks in Russia. However, some users fear that the authorities will also be able to detect settings used to circumvent censorship.

Last year, a law that imposes a fine of up to 5,000 rubles (approx. €55 or $65) for searching for “extremist material” on the internet and also using VPNs came into force.

YouTube has not officially been classified as an “undesirable organization” in Russia, but authorities regularly accuse the platform of distributing prohibited content.

What can ordinary internet users do?

“If only one NDNS is available in a country, no settings can help restore normal DNS functionality,” says the na_sviazi Telegram channel.

“In this case, a user must seriously consider protecting their data traffic and choose reliable VPNs.”

But many users have also complained that even VPNs are not reliable. Some presume this is partly due to restrictions imposed by VPN providers themselves or ad blockers.

Klimarev confirmed VPNs and third-party DNS services did not offer complete protection. He says internet providers could also block alternative DNS services.

For him, a reliable VPN is still the most effective way to stay in touch with the outside world, but he warned that the Russian authorities might falsify IP addresses: “And then you won’t be directed to where you want to go.”

If a user cannot access genuine websites, they might be directed to fakes designed to steal logins, passwords and bank details.

Officially, Roskomnadzor has justified the restrictions on Telegram by saying the platform has violated “Russian law” and is a “threat to citizens.”

A Moscow court already fined Telegram for refusing to delete “prohibited content” and failing to comply with the “obligations of a social media operator.”

Klimarev believes that if the situation continues to develop in similar fashion, “at some point, there will be a completely different internet in the Russian Federation that differs from the global one. And it will not be trustworthy.” (DW)

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Minister of Health Nalinda Jayatissa has issued a legal notice demanding Rs. 1 billion in damages from YouTube content creator Dharmasri Kariyawasam, accusing him of spreading false propaganda linking the Minister’s name to the importation of a controversial medicine and thereby causing public unrest.

According to the notice, issued via Jayatissa’s legal team, investigations are already underway into ten medicines, including Ondansetron Injection, manufactured by India’s Maan Pharmaceutical Limited. 

This medicine was recently suspended by the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) along with nine other injectable drugs following reports of complications.

Despite this, Kariyawasam, through his YouTube Channel, had published a widely viewed program titled “The hidden story of the Indian drug that claimed lives, Mayor Balthasar’s relative, and Minister Nalinda’s cover-up.” 

The program allegedly portrayed Minister Jayatissa as directly responsible for importing the drug, colluding with the supplier, and attempting to conceal the issue, while depicting him as indifferent to public suffering.

The Minister’s lawyer asserts that these claims are false, defamatory, and damaging to his reputation, citing specific excerpts where Kariyawasam accused him of lying about the supplier, hiding facts about PTC Medicals Pvt Ltd, the actual importer, and showing no concern for deaths linked to the drug. 

The program also alleged connections between PTC Medicals’ directors and Colombo Mayor Vraîe Cally Balthazaar’s family, suggesting political favouritism.

The legal notice warns that unless Kariyawasam ceases publishing such defamatory content immediately, legal proceedings will be initiated without further notice. (Newswire)

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A complaint has been lodged with the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) concerning the circulation of a false report on social media, alleging that MP Namal Rajapaksa was involved in planning a personal assassination.

A group of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) members filed the complaint with the CID this morning.

Speaking to the media, one SLPP member said that false information on MP Namal Rajapaksa was being circulated on YouTube.

“The YouTube channel claims that MP Namal Rajapaksa is planning to assassinate an individual currently in remand custody, using underworld links for the SLPP to regain power. We strongly refute these false claims,” he said. 

The SLPP member further said that the YouTube channel is being operated from overseas, pointing out that it was an attempt to slander the SLPP and its members. 

He added that a complaint has been filed with the CID requesting a comprehensive investigation into the matter. (Newswire)

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An individual who had pleaded guilty for spreading false and explicit rumours about women via a YouTube Channel has been sentenced to 06 months of imprisonment, suspended for five years.

The verdict was issued by the Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali when the Kaduwela resident was produced in court yesterday (31).

The suspect was sentenced when the case filed against him by the Cybercrimes Unit of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) was taken up before the court.

The CID had filed the case after conducting investigations into a complaint filed by a teacher from Colombo. 

In her complaint, the teacher had informed that her photo was being used to spread false information on YouTube.

The CID had filed a case under three charges against the suspect. (Newswire)

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Australia is banning YouTube for children under 16, widening the scope of a landmark social media law that aims to protect teenagers from harmful content online.

“Young people under the age of 16 will not be able to have accounts on YouTube,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Wednesday.

The Alphabet-owned video-sharing platform had been previously granted an exemption due its popularity with teachers.

Last year, Australia was the first country to propose a ban on social media for teenagers. 

Sites covered by the ban, such as Meta’s Facebook and Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok, have protested the proposed ban.

Why is Australia now banning YouTube?

Australia reversed its decision to spare YouTube from the banned list of social media sites for those under 16 after the country’s internet regulator highlighted a survey showing 37% of minors reported harmful content on the site.

“We want kids to know who they are before platforms assume who they are,” Communications Minister Anika Wells said in a statement.   

“There’s a place for social media, but there’s not a place for predatory algorithms targeting children.”  she added.

How has YouTube reacted?

A YouTube spokesperson said in a statement that YouTube is “not social media”.

“We share the government’s goal of addressing and reducing online harms. Our position remains clear: YouTube is a video sharing platform with a library of free, high-quality content, increasingly viewed on TV screens. It’s not social media,” the statement said.

“The government’s announcement today reverses a clear, public commitment to exclude YouTube from this ban. We will consider next steps and will continue to engage with the government.”

Wednesday’s decision could also be the start of a fresh dispute with Alphabet, which threatened to pull back some Google services from Australia in 2021 in response to a law forcing it to pay news outlets for content appearing in searches.

What is Australia’s teen social media ban?

In November 2024, Albanese’s government introduced a bill to ban social media for children under 16.

The law is slated to  come into effect on December 10, 2025.

Social media giants face fines of up to 49.5 million Australian dollars (€27 million) for failing to impose the restrictions.

“Social media have a social responsibility and there is no doubt that Australian kids are being negatively impacted by online platforms, so I’m calling time on it,” Albanese said on Wednesday.

“I want Australian parents to know that we have their backs.” (DW)

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YouTube will implement a new monetisation policy from July 15, 2025, aimed at limiting the earnings of channels that publish mass-produced, repetitive, or low-effort videos. 

The platform has updated its YouTube Partner Programme (YPP) guidelines to identify such content and prevent it from generating revenue.

New YouTube Monetisation norms

In a statement published on its official support page, YouTube said, “In order to monetize as part of the YouTube Partner Program (YPP), YouTube has always required creators to upload ‘original’ and ‘authentic’ content. On July 15, 2025, YouTube is updating our guidelines to better identify mass-produced and repetitious content. This update better reflects what ‘inauthentic’ content looks like today.”

How much time YouTube will take to approve monetisation

The updated policy continues to require creators to meet eligibility standards to join YPP. A channel must have at least 1,000 subscribers and either 4,000 valid public watch hours in the past year or 10 million valid public Shorts views in the last 90 days.

What counts as ‘repetitive’ or ‘mass-produced’

YouTube has outlined two specific rules that explain the kind of content the platform considers unfit for monetisation:

First, content borrowed from other sources must be significantly altered to be considered original.

Second, repetitive content must serve a purpose beyond gaining views. It must be either entertaining or educational.

The policy is also expected to impact clickbait, templated, and AI-generated content, especially videos that rely on AI-generated voices or reuse other creators’ materials with minimal editing.

Impact on creators unclear

YouTube has not specified what consequences creators might face for violating the new rules. There is no mention of penalties, suspensions, or strikes under the updated terms.

The company said that the new approach is meant to align its monetisation rules with emerging trends and content tactics that it deems inauthentic. While YouTube did not confirm if AI-assisted content will fall under the revised guidelines, the update hints at tighter control over such formats.

Recent platform-wide changes

This update follows another recent change where YouTube barred users under 16 from live streaming on the platform without adult supervision.

Insider Gaming has contacted YouTube for further clarification regarding the updated guidelines and their enforcement, and said it will publish an update once a response is received. (Economic Times)

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India’s Supreme Court has given YouTube personality Ranveer Allahbadia – roiled in a row over comments about parents and sex during an episode of stand-up show ‘India’s Got Latent’ – a measure of relief after it said no further police cases could be filed against him on this matter.

The court also said Mr Allahbadia, who claimed death threats to his family and himself, could approach Maharashtra and/or Assam police for “protection of life and liberty, in case of threats”.

He was also told he would not be arrested, by either Maharashtra or Assam cops, so long as he cooperates with the investigation, or on the basis of a third complaint filed in Jaipur.

Mr Allahbadia, however, was told to deposit his passport with police in Maharashtra’s Thane, and warned not to try and leave the country without prior permission of the court.

Court Rips Into Ranveer Allahbadia

On Tuesday morning a bench of Justice Surya Kant and Justice N Kotiswar Singh convened to hear Ranveer Allahbadia’s plea to club FIRs and seek anticipatory bail against possible arrest by Guwahati Police, which last week sent a team to his apartment in Mumbai to question him.

The hearing began with Mr Allahbadia’s lawyer, Abhinav Chandrachud, the son of the previous Chief Justice, DY Chandrachud, in the court’s crosshairs over his position on the comments.

Mr Chandrachud declared himself “personally disgusted” by what Mr Allahbadia said; “I cannot defend on moral grounds,” he said, but also pointed out “… whether it (the comment in question) rises to the level of criminal offense is another question”.

The court, though, appeared initially disinclined to agree with Mr Chandrachud; Justice Kant was particularly irate, declaring, “If this is not obscenity in this country, then what is!?”

The hearing then turned into a fierce tongue-lashing for the Youtuber, aka ‘BeerBiceps guy’ on Instagram, with Justice Kant declaring “there is something dirty in his mind that is spread by this programme” and demanding to know “why should the court entertain such persons”.

“What embarrassment he has caused to his parents? We know from where he has copied the question. There are certain societies where they warn who are not supposed to watch such programmes… (referring to age-restrictions for TV programmes) they maintain precautions.”

“… but just because somebody thinks ‘I am popular, I can speak anything and take society for granted’ … you tell us, who in the world would like such words?” Justice Kant raged.

“The words you have chosen… parents will be ashamed, and sisters will be ashamed. The entire society will feel ashamed. The perversion you and your henchmen have exhibited!”

Eventually, though, the court also acknowledged the issue of death threats, saying, “We have a judicial system… we are bound by the rule of law. If there are threats, the law will take its course. We are not supporting this (the threats). I am sure the State will provide necessary protection…”

The court, finally, also accepted Mr Allahbadia’s submissions, giving him temporary protection from arrest and blocking further police cases against him.

Police Cases, Death Threats For ‘BeerBiceps Guy’

Ranveer Allahbadia faces not only multiple police cases but also a summons from the National Commission of Women (on March 6, after skipping one for Monday, citing the death threats and a Rs 5 lakh bounty on his head) and, possibly, questions from a parliamentary panel too.

Two others – show host Samay Raima and participant Apoorva Makhija – also reported threats; both are named in police cases, as has Ashish Chanchalani, another social media influencer.

On Saturday Mr Allahbadia confessed to feeling “scared” by the threats to his life but insisted he would not back down. “I am watching death threats pour in from people saying they want to kill me… hurt my family,” he said, also claiming an ‘invasion’ of his mother’s medical clinic.

After he failed to appear before the cops, cops from Mumbai and Guwahati went looking for him at his home in the former city, only to find the door locked and the social media personality – whose requests to record his statement at his home had been turned down – missing.

So far, the Mumbai cops, acting on a complaint from a BJP functionary, have recorded the statements of seven individuals; these include Ms Makhija and Mr Chanchalani. Separate investigations are being conducted by Guwahati Police and Maharashtra’s Cyber Department.

Mumbai Police has not filed a case so far.

Ranveer Allahbadia Apologises

After the row broke, Allahbadia offered an apology and blamed a lapse in judgement.

“My comment wasn’t just inappropriate… it was not even funny. Comedy is not my forte, I am just here to say sorry,” he said in a video message. He also acknowledged he had misused his platform. “I am not going to give any context or justification or reasoning behind whatever happened. I am just here for an apology. I personally had a lapse in judgement. It wasn’t cool on my part,” he said.

On Saturday, apologising again for his remarks, Mr Allahbadia said, “My remark about parents was insensitive and disrespectful and I am genuinely sorry”. (NDTV)

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Cristiano Ronaldo has broken the world record for the most subscribers in an hour after launching his new YouTube channel.

The sporting superstar made the announcement that he was starting up his own page on the popular social media site on Instagram.

And after just an hour of the page’s launch, Ronaldo had reached a million subscribers in an hour – the fastest anyone has ever reached the milestone.

The Portuguese frontman already holds the record for the most Instagram followers in the world, boasting a total of over 636 million.

Whether Ronaldo can reach that amount on YouTube remains to be seen, though he is on the right track.

YouTube superstar Mr Beast currently holds the record for the most subscribed channel in the world, who currently has over 311 million.

And fans are already insisting that Ronaldo could best the American media personality, including MMA star Dilon Danis, who wrote: “Mr beast is dead now haha.”

Another put: “Cristiano about to take over YouTube.”

While a third replied: “MrBeast who? Ronaldo is coming.”

Ronaldo might have one eye on what is next in his career as he approaches the age of 40 but is still plying his trade for Saudi side Al-Nassr.

However, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s footballing prowess might be waning after a poor summer where he failed to score for Portugal at Euro 2024.

Indeed, he was told to retire after Al-Nassr were thrashed 4-1 by Al-Hilal in the Saudi Super Cup, despite getting on the scoresheet.

And YouTube might be the route which Ronaldo could take in his post-football career, with his channel being titled ‘UR’.

There are already several clips posted on the channel away from his football life, including his partner Georgina Rodriguez and their children.

It was also confirmed that the former Manchester United star will host a number of mystery guests who he will interview.

Speaking on Instagram, Ronaldo said: “I am very happy to make this project come to life. It has been in my mind for a long time but finally we have the opportunity to make it real.

“I have always enjoyed having such a strong relationship with fans on social media and my YouTube channel will give me an even bigger platform to do so and they will learn more about me, my family and my views on many different subjects.

“I am looking forward to sharing conversations with guests that will surprise people!” (GBNews)

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Popular Youtuber Will Davis, known as ‘TrekTrendy’, has highlighted a massive data breach by global visa processing service, VFS Global which was involved in the recent controversy related to the visa issuance process at the Katunayake Airport. 

Will Davis, a luxury travel reviewer with nearly 1 million subscribers on YouTube, shared on social media that despite having his visa approved a long time ago, he has been continuously receiving details of other applicants from VFS Global.

“Some of you may remember the Sri Lanka visa saga a few weeks ago. Well whilst mine has long been approved, each day I’ve been getting other tourists visas emailed to me complete with full names, address and passport info. How is this a thing?! I’ve reached out in an attempt to try and make these stop but what a massive data breach,” his statement read. 

VFS Global came under fire for its visa issuance process and charges after a video widely circulated on social media showed an agitated Sri Lankan national claiming that Indian companies who had taken over visa processing at the Bandaranaike International Airport were causing delays and levying extra processing fees. 

Responding to the allegations, the Indian High Commission refuted reports of Indian companies taking over visa issuance at the Katunayake Airport, stating, “Any reference to India in this context is unwarranted.”

Meanwhile, Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles, under whose purview the visa process falls, also acknowledged in Parliament this week that the decision to grant the process to global visa processing service, VFS Global was taken following Cabinet approval and was not processed through Parliament.

The Committee on Public Finance (CoPF) has also summoned the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security and the Controller General of Immigration and Emigration today for an inquiry into the controversial VFS Global visa issuance deal, which has faced criticism from many. (Newswire)

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A woman has allegedly hacked to death her husband for having forcefully obtained nude footage of their 14-year-old daughter to publish online in order to obtain cash, it was reported.

According to Lankadeepa, the deceased has been identified as a 37-year-old hospital assistant residing in Wallawa. 

Investigations reveal that the woman had thrown chilli powder at the man while he was inside the washroom and had later hacked him to death. 

The Police stated that the man had succumbed to injuries sustained in the attack while in the living room of the house. 

Further investigations have revealed that the man had recently launched a YouTube Channel and was collecting sexually explicit content of women to make his YouTube Channel famous. (NewsWire)

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Two persons who had locally manufactured two firearms based on YouTube tutorials have been arrested in Kalutara.

According to the Kalutara Division Crimes Investigation Division, the suspects were apprehended with firearms and the equipment used to produce the weapons.

The Police have taken into custody a weapon that can fire a bullet used in the T-56 rifle, another five foot long firearm, one T-56 firearm bullet, two grinders, and other products used to create the weapons. 

The Police further stated that investigations are underway to ascertain if the weapons were produced to commit a crime.

The suspects, who are aged 41 and 21 years, are residents of the Seeladola area in Badureliya and are relatives.

The Police stated that the suspects will be produced before the Mathugama Magistrate’s Court.

Video: https://web.facebook.com/watch/?extid=CL-UNK-UNK-UNK-AN_GK0T-GK1C&mibextid=2Rb1fB&v=297034662745159 (NewsWire)

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The Delhi High Court on Thursday directed YouTube to remove any fake news about Aaradhya Bachchan, granddaughter of Bollywood Star Amitabh Bachchan, from its platform. The court also said such fake news should not be shared in the future either.

The 11-year-old daughter of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan moved the high court on Wednesday against a YouTube tabloid for reporting ‘fake news’ about her health.

The high court pulled up the video-sharing platform for spreading fake news and asked whether it does not have any policies to ensure that such misleading content is not posted. The Delhi HC told YouTube that it is not enough to just say that users have been given a platform and that it is not responsible for what is being put on there.

The court summoned Google and all the YouTube platforms which were made parties in the petition and asked whether they had changed their policy according to the amendment in the IT rules. Expressing objection to the YouTube video, the court said that every child has the right to live with respect and dignity and it is the platform’s responsibility to stop such fake news. (India Today)

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