Google Photos will start tagging images edited with AI

Google announced that starting next week, Google Photos will begin notifying users if an image has been altered or combined with another image using artificial intelligence. The goal of this move is to ensure maximum transparency in the use of generative AI tools and the integrity of the data.

Image Source: Chris Welch/The Verge

According to Google Photos Director of Engineering John Fisher, “Images edited using tools like Magic Editor, Magic Eraser, and Zoom Enhance already contain metadata based on International Press Telecommunications Council (IPTC) technical standards.” indicating the use of generative AI.” However, now the information will also appear in Google Photos – next to the file name, location and backup status. The new “AI info” feature will be available both in the web version and in the mobile application.

The tagging system will extend beyond generative AI to cases where elements from multiple photos are combined into a single image, such as when using Best Take and Add Me features on Pixel smartphones. At the same time, as The Verge writes, this metadata can be easily bypassed by those who deliberately want to hide traces of editing.

Fisher emphasizes, “This is a work in progress, and we will continue to gather feedback and evaluate additional solutions to improve transparency in AI editing.” Previously, metadata associated with Google’s AI tools was virtually invisible to users. For example, the Magic Editor tool allows you to add AI-generated objects to an image that were not in the real scene, which can mislead other users.

While Google and Samsung provide AI editing capabilities, Apple has decided not to include photorealistic content in its image generation tools (which will be introduced in iOS 18.2). Apple’s Craig Federighi expressed concern that AI could affect the authenticity of photos. In general, photo retouching is not a new practice, but modern generative AI tools make creating convincing fakes far too easy and affordable.