YouTube Shuts Down Major Fake Trailer Channels Screen Culture and KH Studio
In an uncharacteristic swift action, this time following pressure from journalists regarding the proliferation of fake and misleading AI-modded movie trailers, YouTube closed down two of the largest channels involved in the trade. The two channels, Screen Culture and KH Studio, were shut down for violating the terms of service set by the platform.
Background of the Problems
Screen Culture and KH Studio had built quite a business creating and publishing convincing but fake trailers for anticipated films, often getting theirs out to the public just before official versions. The business grossed about 2 million subscribers and over a billion views between both channels. The content of the two channels was perceived largely as public deceit.
Platform Action and Final Removal
YouTube's initial response was gentle—after the whole affair caught the attention of the press, the company monetized the offending channels. Apparently, studios did not want to go too far beyond demonetization. But things seem to have escalated, with the resultant division now of complete closure, with violation of terms of service-now, a claim never made before as to content on these channels.
It was also reported that the creators of these channels were living a lavish lifestyle funded from revenues. With the removal of both, their operation has now been brought to a conclusion.
