Distinguishing real from artificial material online is becoming more difficult. Snapchat has joined other platforms in restricting fully AI-generated videos on its Spotlight feed. Parent company Snap announced it will no longer promote wholly AI-created videos, preferring authentic, human-made material instead. The decision aligns with actions by YouTube, LinkedIn and Substack to curb fake text, images and videos produced by artificial intelligence tools. Often called AI slop, such material has grown common as generative AI allows rapid creation of essays, posts and realistic videos. Snapchat will still allow AI-enhanced or edited content in recommendations, since the platform provides its own AI editing tools. The company noted that fully AI-generated videos tend to be low-quality and repetitive, failing to match user preferences. Studies indicate users share these worries, with many losing confidence in online authenticity after repeated exposure to AI posts. Substack chief Chris Best observed that identifying genuine content is increasingly hard and warned that platforms rewarding artificial material risk lowering overall quality. LinkedIn introduced a reporting feature for suspected AI posts and comments. Its product officer stated the platform has blocked billions of AI-generated comment attempts in recent months. LinkedIn clarified it does not ban all AI use and removed an earlier prompt encouraging AI enhancement, replacing it with a basic proofreading option. YouTube updated its monetisation rules to exclude inauthentic, generic or repetitive AI videos from revenue sharing. Research had revealed channels built entirely on AI content gaining large audiences and earnings. YouTube’s trust and safety lead noted that while AI can aid creators, it also enables low-quality content farming that the platform aims to reduce.
