Google is planning to roll out new features that will enable the identification of images that have been generated or edited using AI in search results. This update will highlight such photos in the ‘About this image’ section across Google Search, Google Lens, and the Circle to Search feature on Android. In the future, this disclosure feature may also be extended to other Google platforms like YouTube.
To achieve this, Google will utilise C2PA metadata developed by the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity. This metadata tracks an image’s history, including its creation and editing process. However, the adoption of C2PA standards is limited, and metadata can be altered or removed, which may impact the reliability of this identification method.
Despite the challenges, Google’s action addresses the increasing concerns about deepfakes and AI-generated content. There have been reports of a significant rise in scams involving such content, and losses related to deepfakes are expected to increase dramatically in the coming years. As public concern about deepfakes and AI-driven misinformation grows, Google’s initiative aims to provide more transparency in digital media.