Unstoppable Spread of Low-Quality AI Videos... Even the AI Basic Act Falls Short

Difficult to Regulate Re-edited Videos With Watermarks Removed
AI Basic Act Labeling Requirement Does Not Apply to Users

Low-quality videos created using generative artificial intelligence (AI), known as 'AI slop' (slop, meaning 'waste'), are rapidly spreading across major platforms such as TikTok and YouTube. However, there is still no clear solution to effectively block this phenomenon. Platforms are strengthening monetization standards by requiring separate labels to indicate AI-generated content and aiming to prevent the rampant proliferation of AI-produced materials. Yet, concerns remain that both users and creators can still delete or manipulate the AI-generated labels, leaving this issue in a regulatory blind spot.

According to a June 23 analysis by U.S.-based video editing platform Kapwing, 59% of the 10,742 videos exposed to new accounts on TikTok were identified as AI slop—three times higher than on YouTube, where the proportion was 21%.

The main reason for the spread of AI slop lies in the revenue structure of video platforms. Major platforms base their profits on views and watch time rather than video quality. Creating videos with generative AI lowers production costs, so supplying large quantities of poor-quality videos makes it easier to generate revenue.

Platform companies are not simply standing by as AI slop spreads. Since 2024, YouTube has required creators to disclose whether content was generated or modified using AI, and in May it began applying an automated system that detects and labels AI usage with its own AI detection technology. Naver will also strengthen monetization standards for its short-form service 'Clip' starting June 29, aiming to increase the proportion of high-quality videos. Content will be reviewed for the use of AI and mass-produced materials, and advertising incentives will not be applied to low-quality content.

However, the issue of video creators modifying AI-generated labels during the secondary editing process remains a loophole. As a result, AI-generated materials with deleted or altered labels are redistributed on online platforms, making it difficult to verify their authenticity. Although an AI Basic Act has been implemented in Korea this year requiring labels on AI-generated content, the regulation is limited to businesses, making it challenging to resolve the issue. It remains difficult to prevent distributors or users of AI-generated materials from reprocessing or damaging these labels.

Paek Jongmin, a professor in the Department of Media at Kyung Hee University, said, "Unless there are clear problems such as violations of portrait rights, explicitness, or violence, there are insufficient legal regulations to control each individual video production." He added, "These are side effects that have emerged as the cost of producing videos using AI has declined. Users now need to develop media literacy skills to distinguish whether content is AI-generated."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.