Key Points
- Meta replaces the “Made with AI” tag with “AI Info.”
- The new tag seeks to clear up the role of AI in photo editing.
- Meta retains its existing AI detection technology.
- Feedback from photographers led to the change in the label.
In response to user feedback and confusion, Meta has decided to take a different approach towards labeling photos that are edited with AI. The firm introduced a “Made with AI” label for images beginning in May, which elicited backlash from photographers who felt it was misleading as it applied even to pictures edited using elementary tools and not completely created by artificial intelligence (AI).
The Introduction of the “AI Info” Tag
Now, Meta will use ‘AI Info’ instead of ‘Made with AI’ in all its applications. The objective behind this modification is to let users know how far their images were edited using artificial intelligence without them believing that these pictures were fully made by machines.
As explained by Meta in an updated blog post: “Like others across the industry, we’ve found that our labels based on these indicators weren’t always aligned with people’s expectations and didn’t always provide enough context.
For example, some content that included minor modifications using AI, such as retouching tools, included industry-standard indicators that were then labeled ‘Made with AI’.”
Meta changes its label from ‘Made with AI’ to ‘AI info’ to indicate use of AI in photos https://t.co/USA350MPdW
— TechCrunch (@TechCrunch) July 1, 2024
Understanding How to Detect Artificial Intelligence
However, despite the change in labeling, Meta will still continue employing similar technology below it which detects when a photograph has been taken using artificial intelligence.
This technology relies on technical metadata standards such as C2PA and IPTC, which provide information about the use of AI tools. Consequently; if someone edits an image by removing objects using Adobe’s Generative Al Fill method; then it shall still be tagged though this time round under ‘AI info’.
“‘AI Info’ can encompass content that was made and/or modified with AI so the hope is that this is more in line with people’s expectations, while we work with companies across the industry to improve the process,” Kate McLaughlin explained in an email to TechCrunch.
Addressing Industry Challenges
The new tag, however, does not solve all issues. There are still risks of completely AI-generated pictures escaping detection, and it will not tell what extent an image has been subjected to AI-powered editing.
This ongoing challenge requires Meta and other social networks to establish fair guidelines for photographers who use AI tools in their editing processes.
Similarly, photographers need information from companies such as Adobe about which tools will cause their images to be labeled on platforms like Meta. This way photographers will understand the visibility they will share online.
While Meta continues to develop its labeling system in response to the growing use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in photo editing, it is moving towards greater clarity through refinement efforts.
With better communication around AI’s role in image editing and addressing user concerns, Meta wants a space where both photographers and users can have more understanding and equity.
