Google Photos now tell you when image was edited with AI

In the era of AI images, it’s hard to trust anything you see online anymore. Aiming to increase transparency, Google has announced that Google Photos will label images that have been edited using AI tools. This includes edits made with features like Magic Editor, Magic Eraser, and Zoom Enhance.

The “AI info” section will be visible in Google Photos’ image details view, both on the web and in the app. This information will include other details such as the file name, location, and backup status.

“As we bring these tools to more people, we recognize the importance of doing so responsibly with our AI Principles as guidance,” writes John Fisher, Engineering Director, Google Photos and Google One. “To further improve transparency, we’re making it easier to see when AI edits have been used in Google Photos.”

Google is not limiting the labeling to generative AI alone. The company will also specify when a “photo” is a composite of multiple images, such as those created using the Pixel’s features “Best Take” and “Add Me.”

Unfortunately, there’s a catch. As you can see from the example above, “metadata are modifiable,” which means you can probably remove any info about the use of AI tools. “This work is not done,” Fished adds, “and we’ll continue gathering feedback and evaluating additional solutions to add more transparency around AI edits.”

The changes will be coming to Google Photos starting next week. It’s definitely an important addition, considering that AI models are getting better while people’s reasoning and critical thinking are getting worse at the same time.

[via The Verge]

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