Recent developments in Google Photos have brought the integration of labels that indicate when images have undergone modifications using AI tools. This feature, which is set to improve transparency regarding image editing, will allow users to quickly ascertain whether alterations were powered by artificial intelligence. The company has announced that this information will be embedded within the metadata of the images, ensuring convenient accessibility to anyone examining the photos. Additionally, there will be labels for images created from various photos utilizing non-generative editing tools, specifically for certain capabilities exclusive to Pixel devices, including Best Take and Add Me.
The company elaborated on this initiative in a recent announcement, outlining how the AI labels will apply primarily to images altered through AI functionalities found in Google Photos, such as Magic Editor and Magic Eraser. However, it remains unclear whether images edited with external AI software will also receive such labeling.
With this upcoming feature, any user enhancing an image through the app's AI tools will see the relevant details incorporated into the photo's metadata. This addition has the advantage of persisting through edits such as cropping or blurring, meaning the label will stay with the image. Yet, if a screenshot is taken, it will create new EXIF data, which might not include the original AI label.
Google is adhering to the technical frameworks set forth by The International Press Telecommunications Council (IPTC) when incorporating this AI information. This approach differs from the standards used by other organizations, such as the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA), which is adopted by companies like Meta and OpenAI.
Besides the metadata, Google aims to make this information observable within the file details available in the Photos app. Users will find this information at the bottom of a section titled “AI Info.” This section will feature credits for the AI tools utilized in the editing process, along with details on the “Digital Source Type,” clarifying whether the image was modified using generative AI or alternative methods.
Moreover, images edited skillfully without generating AI will also benefit from these labels, detailing the nuances of features such as Best Take or Add Me on suitable Pixel devices.