Google Introduces Digital Watermarking for AI-Edited Images in Google Photos

A New Era of Transparency in AI Editing

Google has announced that it will begin adding a digital watermark to images in Google Photos that are edited with generative AI, starting this week. This move aims to increase transparency and trust in AI-edited images, particularly those created using the Reimagine feature in Magic Editor on Pixel 9 devices.

What is Reimagine?

Reimagine is a feature introduced in 2024 that utilizes generative AI to alter aspects of digital photos. Designed for editing images shot on-device, Reimagine has opened up new possibilities for dramatic image edits, blurring the line between digital photos and fully AI-generated shots.

The Need for Digital Watermarking

As generative AI images become increasingly lifelike, digital advocates have called for a universal method to help the public determine whether a photo was created using AI or not. Digital watermarking is often proposed as a solution, as it can be added to a file without directly altering the image itself.

Google’s Solution: SynthID

Google will be using SynthID, a feature created by its DeepMind division, to mark relevant images. SynthID "embeds a digital watermark directly into AI-generated content, without compromising the original content." This feature can also be used to scan images for potential watermarks and works with AI-generated text and video files.

How to Identify Digital Watermarks

Users can click into ‘About this Image’ to locate digital watermarks within a photo’s metadata. However, Google notes that certain edits may not trigger the use of SynthID, such as small edits like changing the color of a small flower in the background of an image.

A Larger Effort for Transparency

The deployment of digital watermarking is part of Google’s larger effort to make AI editing more transparent within Google Photos. The company cites its published AI principles as the guiding light for such decision-making.

Conclusion

Google’s introduction of digital watermarking for AI-edited images in Google Photos marks an important step towards increasing transparency and trust in AI editing. By using SynthID, Google is providing a clear and reliable way to identify AI-generated content, helping to build trust with users and promote responsible AI development.