Google Photos Introduces AI Labels to Mark Edited Images

With the growing prevalence of AI tools , distinguishing between real and AI-altered images has become increasingly challenging. In response, numerous companies have adopted practices such as embedding synthetic watermarks or tags into AI-generated images. Google is the latest to implement this feature.

In a recent blog post, Google announced updates to its Google Photos app, which will soon display indicators if an image has been edited with AI tools. John Fisher, Google Photos' engineering director, explained that “photos edited with tools like Magic Editor , Magic Eraser, and Zoom Enhance already contain metadata adhering to standards set by The International Press Telecommunications Council (IPTC) to signify AI-based modifications.”

Starting next week, Google Photos users will be able to see whether an image has undergone AI edits in the app's " AI info " section within the image details view. This section will sit alongside other details, such as file name, location, and backup status, and will be accessible both in the app and on the web.

In this "AI info" section, a ‘Credit’ line will state ‘Edited with Google AI,’ making it clear when an image has been modified using Google’s generative AI tools. However, there won’t be an explicit watermark visible on the image itself. Consequently, viewers on social media or elsewhere won’t immediately know if a photo was edited with AI.

Google also noted that this labeling approach won’t be limited to generative AI edits alone. It will also apply to photos modified with non-generative features, such as the Pixel phone's "Best Take" or "Add Me" functionalities, which use metadata to highlight compositions that combine elements from multiple images.