YouTube terminates channels linked to AI ‘ghost creator’ network

YouTube has terminated 20 channels following reports of a network of ‘ghost creators’ using AI-generated content to drive engagement and advertising revenue. These accounts utilized human actors to read AI-written scripts, posing as independent commentators to promote partisan outrage.

An investigation by Semafor and researchers from Riddance AI traced a significant portion of this network to Caleb Chan, a YouTuber who allegedly used companies to hire spokespeople for clickbait-style political videos. Much of the content involved inaccurate attacks on Democratic politicians, including California Governor Gavin Newsom and New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

In response to the findings, YouTube stated it has strict policies against spam and deceptive practices, confirming the termination of the channels for violating these policies.