YouTube Enforces Stricter Policies Against Deceptive Film Promotion Channels Generating Revenue
In a significant shift, YouTube has updated its policy to tackle the misrepresentation of major movie intellectual property (IP) on its platform. The new policy targets fake trailers and channels profiting from AI-generated content by strengthening enforcement against deceptive and misleading content.
This move comes amidst increasing scrutiny over channels posting fake movie trailers and profiting from AI-generated content. Under evolving copyright law and platform rules aligned with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), false or infringing content that misrepresents major movie IP can trigger takedowns.
One of the channels that has been targeted is Screen Culture, known for consistently growing by deceiving online audiences with cinematic concept visuals presented as real trailers from major movie studios. Among the fake trailers created by Screen Culture were major blockbuster IP such as Thunderbolts and The Fantastic Four: First Steps.
YouTube's enforcement decisions, including suspensions from the YouTube partner program, apply to all channels that may be owned or operated by the impacted creator. The demonetization of channels like Screen Culture marks the start of YouTube removing channels that utilize AI-generated content from its partner programs.
The TAKE IT DOWN Act, passed in early 2025, criminalizes certain forms of manipulated content, including AI-generated imagery when used in non-consensual or deceptive ways. It also mandates platforms with user-generated content like YouTube to implement rapid takedown mechanisms for illegal or infringing material within 48 hours, which YouTube must comply with.
SAG-AFTRA, the union representing actors, has expressed concerns about this trend. They believe that it incentivizes technology companies and short-term gains at the expense of lasting human creative endeavor, and enables the exploitation of actors' talents and worth.
For the latest updates on Marvel, Star Wars, Star Trek, DC Universe releases, and the future of Doctor Who, visit io9. The site also provides comprehensive information about what's next for the DC Universe on film and TV.
YouTube is taking firm action against channels that profit from fake footage and trailers, ensuring faster removal and stronger penalties for violators under both platform policy and new federal laws such as the TAKE IT DOWN Act.
- The future of YouTube may see stricter penalties for channels that deceive audiences with fake movie trailers, such as Screen Culture, which have been violating copyright laws and YouTube's policies under the DMCA.
- Gizmodo is keeping a close eye on the evolving landscape of technology and entertainment, reporting on the actions taken by YouTube to tackle misrepresentation of major movie intellectual property, including the demonetization of channels like Screen Culture.
- As the TAKE IT DOWN Act, passed in 2025, criminalizes the use of AI-generated content in deceptive ways, entertainment enthusiasts will find updates on the impact of this law on platforms like YouTube on io9, along with the latest news about movies-and-tv releases from Marvel, Star Wars, Star Trek, DC Universe, and Doctor Who.
