Google Photos is introducing a new feature that will enable users to determine if an image has been enhanced with artificial intelligence (AI) or not. Images modified using Reimagine in Magic Editor will receive a label through SynthID, a watermarking technology developed by the company based in Mountain View. This label can be accessed within the “About this image” section of the picture and can also be identified by specialized tools. The initiative is likely aimed at decreasing the occurrences of potential deepfakes that can be produced using Google’s AI image editing tool.
Google Photos to Add AI Watermark
In a blog announcement, the tech giant revealed that Google Photos will now automatically include an AI Watermark on images enhanced via Magic Editor. This primarily pertains to the Reimagine tool that incorporates new elements into an image with the assistance of the Imagen 3 AI model.
Nevertheless, using other functions of Magic Editor will also lead to the inclusion of the watermark. Google has created a new technology named SynthID, which will embed an invisible and imperceptible tag into the image.
Although the tag is visible in the About this Image menu, it can also be detected through specialized detection tools. This watermark cannot be eliminated by cropping, applying filters, or copying the image, as the information is integrated into the pixels of the image.
Importantly, SynthID was designed by Google DeepMind and can be applied to AI-generated text, images, audio, and videos. In every case, the watermark is embedded within the structure of the media rather than applied superficially. For example, in videos, it is incorporated into each frame.
The rationale behind placing watermarks on AI images is likely to mitigate the instances where individuals are misled by deepfakes. Deepfakes encompass any realistic media that has been digitally created with AI or altered through other digital tools with the aim of spreading misinformation or deceiving individuals.
It is noteworthy that Google has specified that if the modifications made by Reimagine are minimal, SynthID may not be applied to the image. This will be relevant in situations like when a user alters the color of a small flower in the background. Users can verify whether the AI watermark has been added by checking the metadata.
