Google Photos is making some significant updates to its AI editing tools to enhance transparency. The Magic Editor and Magic Eraser features have made photo editing simpler and more accessible to users. These tools allow for a variety of edits, from basic cropping to more advanced changes like removing objects or adjusting lighting.
To ensure responsible use of AI technology, Google Photos is implementing changes to make it easier for users to see when AI edits have been applied to their photos. Starting next week, the app will clearly indicate when a photo has been edited using Google AI. This new feature will provide users with more information about the editing process, giving them greater transparency into how their photos have been altered.
In addition to this update, Google Photos will also be using metadata based on technical standards from The International Press Telecommunications Council (IPTC) to indicate when generative AI has been used to edit an image. This information will be displayed alongside other details like file name, location, and backup status within the app. This move is aimed at providing users with a better understanding of how their photos have been edited and ensuring that they are aware of any AI enhancements.
Furthermore, Google Photos will be using IPTC metadata to indicate when non-generative features have been used to create an image. For example, features like Best Take on Pixel 8 and Pixel 9, and Add Me on Pixel 9 use elements from multiple photos taken closely together in time to create a merged image. This additional transparency will help users identify when their photos have been composed using different images, adding another layer of information to the editing process.
These updates are just the beginning of Google Photos’ efforts to increase transparency around AI edits. The company is committed to gathering feedback from users and exploring additional solutions to provide even more clarity on how photos are edited using AI technology. By implementing these changes, Google Photos is empowering users to make informed decisions about their photo editing process and ensuring that they have full visibility into the enhancements applied to their images.