Google to introduce technology distinguishing real images from fake
Google is set to launch a new technology that will distinguish between photos taken with a camera, those edited using software like Photoshop, and those generated by AI models. This feature will be incorporated into Google's search results in the coming months. The updated "About this image" feature will inform users if an image has been created or modified using AI tools.
Google's system is part of C2PA
The system that Google plans to use is a component of the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA). This group is one of the largest entities working on addressing AI-generated imagery. The authentication method used by C2PA is a technical standard that provides information about an image's origin, and creates a digital trail across both hardware and software.
Tech giants support C2PA authentication
Several tech giants including Amazon, Microsoft, OpenAI, Intel, Adobe, Arm, Truepic, and Google have expressed their support for C2PA authentication. However, the adoption rate of this standard has been very slow. Google's integration of this system into its search results will mark a significant step forward for the initiative.
Google's contribution to C2PA
Google has contributed to the development of the latest C2PA technical standard (version 2.1). The company plans to use this standard in conjunction with a forthcoming C2PA trust list. This list will enable platforms like Google Search to verify the origin of content. Laurie Richardson, Vice President of Trust and Safety at Google, explained that if data indicates an image was captured by a specific camera model, "the trust list helps validate that this piece of information is accurate."
Google's future plans for C2PA metadata integration
Google also intends to incorporate C2PA metadata into its advertising systems. Richardson stated that their aim is "to ramp this up over time and use C2PA signals to inform how we enforce key policies." The company is also considering ways to convey C2PA information on YouTube when content is filmed with a camera. More updates on this initiative are expected later in the year.
Adoption challenges of C2PA's authentication standard
Despite Google being one of the first major tech companies to adopt C2PA's authentication standard, there are several adoption and interoperability challenges to overcome. Currently, only a few cameras from Leica and Sony support the C2PA's open technical standard. This standard adds camera settings metadata as well as the date and location of where an image was taken, to photographs. Nikon and Canon have both committed to adopting the C2PA standard.
