Leaking YouTube creators' private videos
javoriuski.com
July 4, 2026
4 min read
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61/100
Summary
YouTube Studio features an AI assistant called Ask Studio that summarizes viewer comments. If a comment contains instructions, the AI may execute actions based on those instructions, raising concerns about privacy and security.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube Studio's AI assistant, Ask Studio, can be manipulated to display injected content from comments, potentially misleading creators into believing it is official communication from YouTube.
- An attacker can edit a seemingly normal comment to include malicious instructions, which the AI then uses to generate responses without alerting the creator.
- The AI assistant has access to private video titles, allowing attackers to construct links that reveal sensitive information when clicked by creators.
- Google classified this issue as not a security bug, stating it required social engineering, despite the trust being exploited being in the AI tool itself rather than in a stranger.
Community Sentiment
Positives
- The article's straightforward, no-nonsense approach is a breath of fresh air compared to the usual clickbait nonsense out there — it's refreshing to see a clear title and factual content.
- Commenters appreciate the article's factual nature and clarity, which stands out in a sea of fluff and sensationalism.
Concerns
- YouTube's apparent indifference to prompt injection as a security issue is shocking — it's a glaring oversight that could lead to significant vulnerabilities.
- The fact that prompt injection attacks are deemed unfixable points to fundamental flaws in how data is handled in LLMs, leaving users exposed to risks.
- Commenters express frustration at the culture in big tech where engineers are incentivized to ignore bugs for personal promotion, leading to poor product quality.