Google Photos adds AI watermark system to detect edited images

Google is implementing SynthID watermarks for photos modified with its Magic Editor AI feature. The system, developed by Google’s DeepMind team, embeds digital metadata tags to identify AI-altered images. According to Jess Weatherbed writing for The Verge, the feature will roll out this week. While the watermark is invisible to the naked eye, it can be detected using Google’s “About this image” tool. The system already marks images created with Google’s Imagen text-to-image model. However, Google acknowledges that some smaller edits might not be detectable by SynthID. The move aims to increase transparency around AI-edited content, though experts suggest watermarking alone may not be sufficient for comprehensive AI content authentication.