Meta has responded to user feedback and confusion by changing its labeling of photos from “Made with AI” to “AI info.” This adjustment aims to clarify the extent to which artificial intelligence is involved in photo editing across all Meta apps.
In May, Meta introduced the “Made with AI” label to tag photos. However, this move sparked complaints from photographers who noted that the label was applied to real photos even when only basic editing tools were used. This led to confusion about what level of AI involvement warranted such a tag.
The original tag suggested that the photos were entirely created by AI, which was not always the case. The updated “AI info” label is intended to better inform users that the tagged images may have undergone minor modifications using AI-powered tools, rather than being fully AI-generated.
“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 explained in an updated blog post.
Maintaining Detection Technology
While the label has changed, the technology Meta uses to detect AI involvement in photos remains the same. Meta continues to rely on technical metadata standards such as C2PA and IPTC, which include details about the use of AI tools. Therefore, photos edited with tools like Adobe’s Generative AI Fill to remove objects may still receive the new “AI info” tag.
Meta hopes that the new “AI info” label will better align with users’ expectations by encompassing content that was either made or modified using AI. This change aims to provide clearer context and reduce confusion about the nature of AI involvement in photo editing.
“‘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,” said Meta spokesperson Kate McLaughlin
Ongoing Challenges and Industry Collaboration
Despite this change, the new label does not fully address the issue of completely AI-generated photos going undetected. It also does not specify the extent of AI-powered editing performed on an image. Meta and other social networks will need to develop guidelines that balance fairness to photographers who use minor AI tools in their workflows with transparency about AI usage.
Companies like Adobe also have a role to play by warning photographers that using certain tools may result in their images being tagged with an AI label on various platforms. This collaborative effort is essential for creating a clearer and more accurate understanding of AI involvement in photo editing.
In conclusion, Meta’s shift from “Made with AI” to “AI info” marks a significant step towards providing more accurate information about AI involvement in photo editing. This change reflects the company’s commitment to addressing user concerns and enhancing transparency across its platforms.
See also: Meta is Tagging Real Photos as ‘Made with AI,’ Say Photographers
