Meta, the social networking company formerly known as Facebook, has responded to user feedback and confusion regarding its “Made with AI” label for photos. Previously, photographers raised concerns that the label was being applied to images that had undergone basic editing using AI-powered tools. As a result, Meta has decided to change the tag to “AI info” across all of its apps.
The updated label aims to provide more clarity to users, indicating that the image may have utilized AI-powered tools in the editing process but is not necessarily entirely created by AI. Meta acknowledges that previous labels did not always align with people’s expectations or provide enough context. Minor modifications made using AI, such as retouching tools, were labeled as “Made with AI,” causing confusion among users.
Despite the change in label, Meta will continue using the same technology to detect the use of AI in photos and apply appropriate tags. The company relies on information from technical metadata standards like C2PA and IPTC, which contain data about the use of AI tools. This means that if photographers use tools like Adobe’s Generative AI Fill to remove objects, their photos may still be tagged with the new “AI info” label.
However, it’s important to note that the new label does not address the issue of completely AI-generated photos going undetected. Furthermore, it does not provide information about the extent of AI-powered editing done on an image.
To address these challenges, Meta and other social networking companies will need to establish guidelines that are fair to photographers who have not made alterations to their editing workflows but have used AI tools for touch-ups. On the other hand, companies like Adobe should warn photographers that using certain tools may result in their images being labeled on other services.
In conclusion, Meta’s decision to change the “Made with AI” label to “AI info” reflects its commitment to addressing user concerns and improving clarity around the use of AI in photo editing. While the new label is a step in the right direction, there are still challenges to overcome in accurately detecting AI-generated photos and providing users with information about the extent of AI-powered editing. Collaborative efforts between social networking companies, software providers, and photographers are necessary to establish fair guidelines and enhance transparency in the industry.
