Snap Introduces Watermarks for AI-Generated Images
In a move to enhance transparency and safety, social media giant Snap announced on Tuesday its plan to introduce watermarks for AI-generated images on its platform. The company aims to clearly distinguish content created using artificial intelligence tools from user-generated content.
The Ghost with a Sparkle: Snap’s AI Watermark
Snap’s AI watermark will feature a small ghost logo accompanied by a sparkle icon, indicating that the image was generated using AI technology. This watermark will be visible when users export or save the image to their camera roll, ensuring that the AI-generated nature of the content is evident even when shared outside the platform.
Snap’s AI watermark featuring a Ghost logo with a sparkle. Image Credits: Snap
Enforcing Watermark Integrity
Snap emphasizes that removing the Ghost with sparkles watermark violates its terms of service. While the company has not provided details on how it plans to detect watermark removal, it is clear that maintaining the integrity of the watermark is a priority for Snap.
Industry-Wide Efforts to Label AI-Generated Content
Snap is not alone in its efforts to identify and label AI-generated content. Other tech giants, including Microsoft, Meta, and Google, have also implemented measures to distinguish AI-generated images from user-created content, demonstrating a growing industry-wide commitment to transparency in the age of artificial intelligence.
Snap’s AI-Powered Features
Currently, Snap offers AI-powered image creation and editing tools to its paid subscribers through features like Snap AI and Dreams, a selfie-focused tool. The company ensures that these AI-powered features are visually marked with indicators like the sparkling logo to maintain transparency.
Snap’s indicators for features powered by generative AI. Image credits: Snap
Promoting User Awareness and Safety
In addition to visual markers, Snap provides context cards with AI-generated images from tools like Dream selfies to better inform users about the nature of the content they are viewing or creating. The company has also partnered with HackerOne to rigorously test its AI image-generation tools and has implemented a review process to identify and remove problematic content during the development of AI-powered lenses.
“We want Snapchatters from all walks of life to have equitable access and expectations when using all features within our app, particularly our AI-powered experiences. With this in mind, we’re implementing additional testing to minimize potentially biased AI results,” the company said on its blog.
Addressing Concerns and Enhancing Parental Controls
Snap faced criticism shortly after introducing its “My AI” chatbot last year, with reports highlighting inappropriate responses generated by the bot. In response, the company introduced controls in the Family Center, allowing parents and guardians to monitor and restrict their teen’s interactions with AI features.
As Snap continues to develop and integrate AI technologies into its platform, the company remains committed to prioritizing user safety, transparency, and equitable access to its features.
3 Comments
Finally, a bit of honesty in the AI playground, Snap’s stepping it up!
About time someone addressed the AI elephant in the room with watermarks!
Smart move by Snap, keeping things transparent in the AI era!