Amid a surge of misinformation on social media sites, YouTube, the world’s largest video-sharing platform, said it is ramping up its efforts to tackle the issue using generative artificial intelligence.
The company is targeting misinformation that is spread through various means, including deepfake videos that use AI manipulation techniques like face swapping and generate realistic images, to create misleading content.
The problem has been exacerbated, not only by the rapid advancement of technology but also by recent regional events including Israel’s continuing assault on Gaza.
YouTube said it is also addressing other forms of misinformation, such as misleading thumbnails, deceptive titles, selective editing, false claims and repurposed content from unrelated events.
The cases of misinformation on the platform have surged in the past few months. YouTube said it has removed more than 117,065 videos globally for violating its misinformation policies in the first quarter of 2024. This is about 67 per cent higher than in the same quarter last year.
Tarek Amin, YouTube's regional director for the Middle East, Africa and Turkey, said the platform is tackling the menace of misinformation using a combination of AI and human oversight.
The company defines misinformation as “deceptive content with serious risk of egregious harm”, Mr Amin explained.
“During breaking news events and crises, what happens in the world also happens on YouTube . … that’s why stopping the spread of misinformation is one of our deepest commitments in the region,” he told The National.
Israel's war on Gaza, for example, has been the subject of many instances of breaking news-induced misinformation spreading through platforms such as TikTok, Elon Musk-owned X, Instagram, WhatsApp and YouTube.
In a deepfake video that was circulated on X on October 28, supermodel Bella Hadid appeared to apologise for her remarks supporting Palestinian rights and express support for Israel.
But the original footage was from a 2016 speech that Ms Hadid gave about her battle with a disease. The deepfake altered the visuals and audio to make it seem like she was criticising Palestine, according to AFP Fact Check.
In the same month, AI-altered footage from the video game Arma 3 was uploaded on various platforms and falsely labelled as real footage of the conflict. This misled viewers and aggravated tensions and unrest.
In the quarter ended March, more than 96 per cent of the 8.2 million videos that YouTube removed were first flagged by its automated AI-driven systems
Also, last month, a video circulating on social media, and shared more than 4,000 times on X, falsely implied that Rafah actors were preparing to stage scenes of injury in Gaza.
This misinformation campaign included AI-generated, repurposed content taken from behind-the-scenes footage of a Palestinian drama series filmed in the occupied West Bank. Although it was taken down by platforms, the manipulated content, which was widely shared and viewed millions of times, likely added to the heightened anger and tensions around the war.
Before that, during the Covid-19 pandemic, there were videos on various platforms wrongly asserting that drinking bleach could cure the virus. They were swiftly removed by YouTube to prevent misinformation and protect users.
Misinformation can cause real-world harm, such as promoting harmful remedies or treatments, certain types of technically manipulated content, or content interfering with democratic processes, Mr Amin said.
Old war, new weapons
While the spread of misinformation through social media platforms goes back decades, it has been scaled up rapidly with the use of automated systems and generative AI technologies.
Industry experts and authorities argue that platforms have failed to adequately address misinformation, leading to rumours, disbelief and injuries.
In October, Thierry Breton, the European Commissioner for the EU internal market, sent a letter to Sundar Pichai, chief executive of Alphabet, to prevent the spread of misinformation on YouTube about Israel and Gaza.
This came after a letter was also sent to X owner Elon Musk, TikTok chief executive Shou Zi Chew and Meta chief executive Mark Zuckerberg with a 24-hour deadline to halt the misinformation spread.
In her reply to the European Commission, X’s chief executive Linda Yaccarino said the platform has removed “tens of thousands of pieces of content” to minimise misinformation related to the war.
Platforms have also been condemned by social media users and human rights activists for subjugating regional voices.
In 2021, Instagram and Facebook faced a backlash for suppressing Palestinian content during protests in Sheikh Jarrah, East Jerusalem, when posts and accounts highlighting the situation were inexplicably removed or shadow banned, New York-based non-profit organisation Human Rights Watch revealed in a report.
During the same period, TikTok users reported their videos and hashtags supporting Palestine were being taken down without clear reasons, raising concerns over biased content moderation, another New York-based civic and social organisation Access Now found.
YouTube told The National it is impartially enforcing its guidelines to prevent the spread of misinformation related to the Israel-Gaza conflict while ensuring that legitimate opinions and viewpoints are not stifled.
The company does not remove content for discussing a specific topic or for sharing a viewpoint, which is particularly sensitive in instances like the Israel-Gaza conflict, said Mr Amin.
“We take our responsibility to surface authoritative news sources seriously, especially during war and conflict … the nature of crises means that there is content that is violent or graphic, which would violate our policies. However, we allow content that has educational, documentary and scientific value … like news content,” he explained.
But there are also guidelines related to news content, such as blurring graphic injuries and age-gating content that is not suitable for all viewers, when necessary, he added.
AI defence
Mr Amin said YouTube is using a slew of generative AI tools for content moderation to minimise the spread of misinformation. This is done through a combination of human judgment and machine learning, with more than 20,000 reviewers operating around the world.
In its back-end systems, AI classifiers – digital tools that are trained to categorise multimedia data into predefined classes or labels – help detect unacceptable content and human reviewers confirm whether the content has crossed policy lines, such as promoting misinformation related to violence, hate speech, or medically inaccurate information.
One of the significant areas of impact has been the identification of new forms of abuse and misinformation, Mr Amin said.
“When new threats arise, systems initially lack the context to recognise them on a large scale. However, generative AI allows YouTube to quickly broaden the data set used to train its AI classifiers, enabling faster detection of such content.”
In the quarter ended March 31, more than 96 per cent of the 8.2 million videos that YouTube removed were first flagged by its automated AI-driven systems, Mr Amin said.
Some of the AI tools used by companies such as YouTube are built using machine learning frameworks and software such as TensorFlow and PyTorch, to create deep learning models capable of analysing vast amounts of video content. They also use a mix of natural language processing tools for analysing and understanding the context of video transcripts and comments.
“It's healthy to pivot the conversation from what we need to do about generative AI to what we can do with it. We need defensive AIs to catch malicious ones,” Sam Blatteis, chief executive of The Mena Catalysts, told The National.
Analysts recommend that YouTube ensures its distribution algorithms do not promote misinformation.
“Historically, distribution algorithms have been driven by what triggers reactions and interest, which is essentially the attention economy … posing a significant risk,” Tim Gordon, co-founder and partner at the UK-based Best Practice AI, told The National.
“However, there are opportunities to improve this [algorithms] through AI. We can use AI at scale to analyse YouTube videos, understand their content, and identify those most likely to spread misinformation.”
In September, YouTube announced a series of AI resources to support video content creators globally, and following that in November, guidelines requiring users to disclose fabricated or altered content.
The company stated creators must disclose when they have produced “altered or synthetic” content using AI with an on-screen notification. Failure to disclose may result in the content being flagged or removed and habitual offenders could face account suspension.
YouTube has also set out AI principles specifically designed to protect music artists and the integrity of their work, Mr Amin said.
“It's notable that YouTube uses a combination of algorithmic and human judgment to determine if content sits on this [misinformation] spectrum,” Dev Nag, chief executive of San Francisco-based AI firm QueryPal, told The National.
“But YouTube is much more hands-off when it comes to bias, which involves more subjective framing … this will also require a hybrid approach of machines [to detect harmful content] and humans [to validate AI’s findings].”
COMPANY%20PROFILE%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ETerra%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202021%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Hussam%20Zammar%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Mobility%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Pre-seed%20funding%20of%20%241%20million%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dual%20synchronous%20electric%20motors%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E660hp%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E1%2C100Nm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESingle-speed%20automatic%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETouring%20range%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E488km-560km%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh850%2C000%20(estimate)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EOctober%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The Sand Castle
Director: Matty Brown
Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea
Rating: 2.5/5
The Voice of Hind Rajab
Starring: Saja Kilani, Clara Khoury, Motaz Malhees
Director: Kaouther Ben Hania
Rating: 4/5
Tamkeen's offering
- Option 1: 70% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 30% in year 3
- Option 2: 50% across three years
- Option 3: 30% across five years
THE SPECS
Engine: 1.5-litre, four-cylinder turbo
Transmission: seven-speed dual clutch automatic
Power: 169bhp
Torque: 250Nm
Price: Dh54,500
On sale: now
Polarised public
31% in UK say BBC is biased to left-wing views
19% in UK say BBC is biased to right-wing views
19% in UK say BBC is not biased at all
Source: YouGov
A MINECRAFT MOVIE
Director: Jared Hess
Starring: Jack Black, Jennifer Coolidge, Jason Momoa
Rating: 3/5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
- Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
- Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
- Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
- Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
- Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
- The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
- Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269
*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year
Teams in the EHL
White Bears, Al Ain Theebs, Dubai Mighty Camels, Abu Dhabi Storms, Abu Dhabi Scorpions and Vipers
SPECS
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'The worst thing you can eat'
Trans fat is typically found in fried and baked goods, but you may be consuming more than you think.
Powdered coffee creamer, microwave popcorn and virtually anything processed with a crust is likely to contain it, as this guide from Mayo Clinic outlines:
Baked goods - Most cakes, cookies, pie crusts and crackers contain shortening, which is usually made from partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. Ready-made frosting is another source of trans fat.
Snacks - Potato, corn and tortilla chips often contain trans fat. And while popcorn can be a healthy snack, many types of packaged or microwave popcorn use trans fat to help cook or flavour the popcorn.
Fried food - Foods that require deep frying — french fries, doughnuts and fried chicken — can contain trans fat from the oil used in the cooking process.
Refrigerator dough - Products such as canned biscuits and cinnamon rolls often contain trans fat, as do frozen pizza crusts.
Creamer and margarine - Nondairy coffee creamer and stick margarines also may contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.
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Profile
Company: Justmop.com
Date started: December 2015
Founders: Kerem Kuyucu and Cagatay Ozcan
Sector: Technology and home services
Based: Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai
Size: 55 employees and 100,000 cleaning requests a month
Funding: The company’s investors include Collective Spark, Faith Capital Holding, Oak Capital, VentureFriends, and 500 Startups.
Classification of skills
A worker is categorised as skilled by the MOHRE based on nine levels given in the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) issued by the International Labour Organisation.
A skilled worker would be someone at a professional level (levels 1 – 5) which includes managers, professionals, technicians and associate professionals, clerical support workers, and service and sales workers.
The worker must also have an attested educational certificate higher than secondary or an equivalent certification, and earn a monthly salary of at least Dh4,000.
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Sustainable Development Goals
1. End poverty in all its forms everywhere
2. End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture
3. Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
4. Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
5. Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
6. Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
7. Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
8. Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
9. Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and foster innovation
10. Reduce inequality within and among countries
11. Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
12. Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
13. Take urgent action to combat climate change and its effects
14. Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
15. Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
16. Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels
17. Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalise the global partnership for sustainable development
Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
The Gentlemen
Director: Guy Ritchie
Stars: Colin Farrell, Hugh Grant
Three out of five stars
SERIE A FIXTURES
Friday Sassuolo v Torino (Kick-off 10.45pm UAE)
Saturday Atalanta v Sampdoria (5pm),
Genoa v Inter Milan (8pm),
Lazio v Bologna (10.45pm)
Sunday Cagliari v Crotone (3.30pm)
Benevento v Napoli (6pm)
Parma v Spezia (6pm)
Fiorentina v Udinese (9pm)
Juventus v Hellas Verona (11.45pm)
Monday AC Milan v AS Roma (11.45pm)
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
Started: 2020
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Entertainment
Number of staff: 210
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.
Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.
“Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.
“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.
Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.
From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.
Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.
BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.
Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.
Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.
“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.
“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.
“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”
The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”
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Mane points for safe home colouring
- Natural and grey hair takes colour differently than chemically treated hair
- Taking hair from a dark to a light colour should involve a slow transition through warmer stages of colour
- When choosing a colour (especially a lighter tone), allow for a natural lift of warmth
- Most modern hair colours are technique-based, in that they require a confident hand and taught skills
- If you decide to be brave and go for it, seek professional advice and use a semi-permanent colour
PROFILE OF INVYGO
Started: 2018
Founders: Eslam Hussein and Pulkit Ganjoo
Based: Dubai
Sector: Transport
Size: 9 employees
Investment: $1,275,000
Investors: Class 5 Global, Equitrust, Gulf Islamic Investments, Kairos K50 and William Zeqiri
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Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
AIR
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Notable Yas events in 2017/18
October 13-14 KartZone (complimentary trials)
December 14-16 The Gulf 12 Hours Endurance race
March 5 Yas Marina Circuit Karting Enduro event
March 8-9 UAE Rotax Max Challenge
