Google Photos Adds Hidden AI Edit Labels Without Visible Watermarks
Google Photos is introducing a new "Edited with Google AI" disclosure in the Details tab of modified images starting next week. However, the lack of visible in-frame watermarks means the AI edits remain largely invisible at first glance.
Starting next week, the Google Photos app displays a new disclosure for images modified by AI tools like Magic Editor, Magic Eraser, and Zoom Enhance. Users find an "Edited with Google AI" label when they scroll to the bottom of the Details section for a specific photo. Google states this addition aims to improve transparency following the rollout of its Pixel 9 smartphones.
Despite this update, AI modifications remain completely invisible at a glance because Google does not place visual watermarks directly on the image frame. If a person encounters an AI-edited picture on social media or in a text message, they see no immediate indication that the image is synthetic. The company also updates metadata for non-generative tools like Best Take and Add Me, but keeps those labels out of the visible Details tab.
The subtle placement of these labels fails to address the main criticism regarding Google's AI editing suite, as most people do not check metadata or details tabs for online images. A Google communications manager tells TechCrunch that this work is not done and the company continues to evaluate additional solutions for greater transparency. Google does not rule out adding visible watermarks in the future as it gathers more user feedback.