A WIRED investigation reveals that numerous YouTube channels are using generative AI to create disturbing animations featuring beloved characters like cats and minions in violent and sexualized scenarios. This resurgence echoes previous concerns known as 'Elsagate,' where kid-friendly characters were depicted in perilous and inappropriate contexts, exploiting algorithmic weaknesses for views. Despite YouTube's removal of ads, deletion of content, and efforts to purge offending accounts, similar troubling channels persist, sparking fears of a new wave of such harmful content targeting young audiences.
"Welcome to Go Cat-a fun and exciting YouTube channel for kids! Every episode is filled with imagination, colorful animation, and a surprising story of transformation..."
"Beware the minion in the night, a shadow soul no end in sight..."
"In 2017, became known as Elsagate, where hundreds of thousands of videos emerged on YouTube depicting children's characters like Elsa from Frozen involved in perilous, sexual, and abusive situations."
"Despite efforts to eradicate the problem, subsequent investigations revealed that similar channels continue to manipulate YouTube's algorithms, hinting at a new wave of Elsagate."
Collection
[
|
...
]