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YouTube enlists users to rate videos as AI slop in content quality push

YouTube has introduced a new pop-up survey asking viewers to rate whether videos feel like ‘AI slop’, with users able to score content on a scale from ‘not at all’ to ‘extremely’ sloppy.

The feature began appearing on 17 March 2026 and marks a shift in approach, with YouTube now enlisting its audience directly to help identify low-quality, AI-generated content.

The move adds a third layer of detection on top of YouTube’s existing automated and human review systems, both of which have struggled to keep pace with the flood of AI-generated uploads.

Research found that roughly 21% of the first 500 videos recommended to a brand-new YouTube account were identified as AI slop, with a further 33% falling into a broader category of repetitive, low-substance content.

Combating this was named a 2026 priority by YouTube CEO Neal Mohan in his annual letter to the platform.

The survey has not been without controversy.

Critics on social media have pointed out that viewer-labelled ‘slop’ data could be fed into Google’s Veo video generation models, potentially training future AI to avoid the very patterns humans flag as low quality, raising questions about whether YouTube is crowdsourcing content moderation or, inadvertently, AI improvement.

YouTube has not clarified how the feedback data will be used.

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Smart Ship Hub calls for careful approach to AI cameras on vessels

Digital vessel performance platform Smart Ship Hub is calling on the maritime industry to embrace AI-enabled camera systems as proactive safety tools, while insisting that their deployment must be underpinned by strong governance and genuine respect for seafarers’ working and living environments.

The company warns that, introduced without clarity or context, the technology risks being perceived as surveillance rather than safety enhancement.

Captain Nagpaul, Voyage Performance Specialist at Smart Ship Hub, outlined a broad range of operational applications for AI cameras at sea, from early fire detection and cargo monitoring during high-risk activities such as mooring operations, to improved situational awareness in areas of poor visibility and high vessel traffic.

The systems can also generate time-stamped visual records to support incident investigations and enable shore-based specialists to provide remote technical support through secure mobile applications.

Smart Ship Hub CEO Joy Basu argued that resisting the technology is not a viable strategy for the sector, noting that crew acceptance improves when workers see tangible benefits such as reduced workload and safer daily operations.

He described AI camera systems as powerful tools that enhance safety and strengthen the connection between ship and shore, but stressed they are not substitutes for professional experience and judgement.

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UNESCO promotes safe AI use and gender equality in Caribbean workshop

A regional workshop in Kingston has been organised by UNESCO to explore the relationship between AI, gender equality and online safety, reflecting wider efforts to support inclusive digital governance across the Caribbean.

Discussions examined the impact of technology-facilitated gender-based violence, including harassment, impersonation and image-based abuse, which continue to affect women and girls disproportionately.

Generative AI was presented as both an opportunity and a risk, with concerns linked to bias, deepfakes, misinformation and non-consensual content.

More than 50 participants from government, civil society and youth organisations engaged in practical sessions aimed at strengthening awareness and digital skills. A participatory approach encouraged peer learning and critical thinking, aligning with UNESCO’s ethical AI principles.

‘Technology reflects the hands that build it and the society that feeds it data. If we are not careful, AI will not just mirror our existing inequalities; it will magnify them.‘

The Honourable Olivia Grange, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport of Jamaica.

‘The pursuit of equality must extend into every space where women live, work, and where they connect and express themselves – including the digital world,‘

For Eric Falt, Regional Director and Representative of UNESCO.

The initiative forms part of broader efforts to ensure that digital transformation supports inclusion rather than reinforcing existing disparities, while equipping stakeholders with tools for safe and responsible AI use.

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TikTok disinformation study raises concerns over AI content and EU regulation

A new study by Science Feedback indicates that TikTok has a higher proportion of misleading content than other major platforms operating in the EU.

The analysis covered France, Poland, Slovakia and Spain, assessing content across multiple thematic areas including health, politics and climate.

Findings suggest that approximately one in four posts on TikTok contained misleading elements, placing the platform ahead of competitors such as Facebook, YouTube and X. Health-related narratives were the most prominent category, reflecting broader patterns observed across digital ecosystems.

Researchers describe disinformation as a persistent feature embedded within platform structures instead of an isolated occurrence.

The study also highlights a growing presence of AI-generated content, particularly in video formats, where synthetic material accounted for a significant share of misleading posts. Despite existing platform policies, most identified content lacked clear labelling.

The regulatory context remains under development.

While the Digital Services Act integrates voluntary commitments from the EU disinformation code, it does not impose mandatory requirements for identifying AI-generated material.

Ongoing debates therefore focus on transparency, accountability and the evolving responsibilities of digital platforms within the European information environment.

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Malaysia tightens rules on data centres

Malaysia has quietly restricted new data centre approvals to projects linked to AI, signalling a strategic shift in its digital economy. Authorities confirmed that non-AI development has been halted for nearly 2 years.

The policy reflects mounting pressure on energy and water resources as demand for data centres accelerates. Officials aim to ensure infrastructure supports high-value AI projects rather than lower-impact investments.

Rapid growth has positioned Malaysia as a key regional hub, attracting major global technology firms. Concerns remain over whether the country risks hosting infrastructure without building local innovation capacity.

Leaders say future efforts will focus on balancing investment with domestic benefits and energy sustainability. Plans include expanding power supply and strengthening national AI capabilities to secure long term gains.

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UK drops AI copyright opt-out plan amid growing industry divide

The UK Government has abandoned its previous preference for an AI copyright opt-out model, signalling a shift in policy following strong opposition from creative industries.

Ministers now acknowledge that there is no clear consensus on how AI developers should access copyrighted material.

Concerns from writers, artists and rights holders focused on the use of their work in training AI systems without permission.

Liz Kendall confirmed that extensive consultation exposed significant disagreement, prompting the government to step back from its earlier position that would have allowed the use of copyrighted content unless creators opted out.

A joint report from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport states that further evidence is required before any legislative change.

Policymakers in the UK will assess how copyright frameworks influence AI development, while also examining international regulation, licensing models and ongoing legal disputes.

Government strategy now centres on balancing innovation with fair compensation.

Officials emphasise that creators must retain control over how their work is used, while AI developers require access to high-quality data to remain competitive. Potential measures include labelling AI-generated content to reduce risks linked to disinformation and deepfakes.

No timeline has been set for reform, reflecting the complexity of aligning economic growth with intellectual property protection.

The debate unfolds alongside broader ambitions outlined by Rachel Reeves, who has identified AI as a central driver of future economic expansion, with the UK aiming to lead adoption across the G7.

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Amazon upgrades Alexa with AI features

Amazon is rolling out an AI upgrade to its Alexa assistant, aiming to make interactions more conversational and responsive. The new version is designed to follow the context and respond more naturally.

The update comes as Amazon seeks to compete with advanced AI chatbots that have gained popularity in recent years. Critics have argued that smart speakers have fallen behind newer AI tools.

Users in the UK are expected to notice more personalised and proactive responses from the upgraded assistant. This will be based on user and customer personal data. The service will be included with Prime subscriptions or offered as a standalone monthly option.

Analysts say the update could help Amazon gather even more user data and improve engagement by picking up on customers’ habits through conversations. However, questions remain about whether the changes will drive revenue or revive interest in smart speakers.

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Parents underestimate how teenagers use AI in daily life

Parents often believe they understand how their children use AI tools in daily life, but recent studies suggest a clear and growing disconnect. Teenagers are using AI more frequently and in more complex ways than most adults realise.

Research indicates that 64% of teens use AI, while only 51% of parents think their children do. A large share of families have never discussed AI, leaving teenagers to navigate its role without guidance.

Teenagers commonly use AI for schoolwork, research and entertainment as part of their routine activities. However, a notable number also rely on it for advice, conversation and even emotional support in personal situations.

Experts warn that this awareness gap can increase risks linked to misuse and emotional dependence on AI tools. Limited parental understanding means many overlook how strongly AI is influencing behaviour and decision-making.

Despite these concerns, many teenagers feel confident using AI and see it as a helpful tool. Specialists emphasise that open conversations are essential to ensure more responsible and balanced use at home.

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AI standards and regulation struggle to keep pace with global innovation

Global efforts to regulate AI are accelerating, but innovation continues to outpace formal rules. Policymakers and industry leaders are increasingly turning to standards to help bridge compliance gaps.

At the AI Standards Hub Global Summit, experts highlighted how technical standards support responsible AI development. These tools are seen as essential for scaling AI safely while regulatory frameworks continue to evolve.

Differences across regions remain significant, with the EU relying on formal regulation and the US leaning on flexible standards. This fragmented landscape is raising concerns over compliance costs and barriers to cross-border deployment.

Experts stress that standards must evolve alongside AI while aligning with global frameworks and enforcement efforts. Without coordination, inconsistencies could limit innovation and weaken trust in AI systems.

Calls are growing for shared definitions, measurable benchmarks and stronger international cooperation. Stakeholders argue that aligning standards with regulation will be critical for future AI governance.

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EU advances AI simplification effort ahead of further negotiations

A committee within the European Parliament has approved a proposal to simplify aspects of AI regulation, marking a step forward in efforts to refine the implementation of the AI Act.

An initiative that seeks to adjust certain requirements to support clearer compliance, particularly for industry stakeholders.

The proposal focuses on technical and procedural elements linked to how AI rules are applied in practice.

Lawmakers aim to ensure that regulatory obligations remain proportionate while maintaining existing safeguards. Part of the discussion includes how specific categories of AI systems should be addressed within the broader framework.

Some elements of the proposal may require further discussion in upcoming negotiations with the Council of the European Union. Areas under consideration include the treatment of sensitive AI applications and the balance between regulatory clarity and enforcement effectiveness.

The development reflects ongoing efforts within the EU to refine its approach to AI governance. As discussions continue, policymakers are expected to assess how adjustments can support innovation while maintaining consistency with existing legal principles.

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