Bloomberg News reports that Alphabet Inc. is actively working on its first effort, which involves the feature “About this image.” This feature enables users to identify the images that Google previously indexed and reveal their sources. Additionally, it helps users determine the online platforms where these images have been viewed.
What features are added?
Google is adding two features to its image search to reduce the spreading of misinformation, especially with the advancements in artificial intelligence that enable the creation of fake photorealistic images.
The first feature, “About this image,” will track indexed images appearing on other websites. Its primary purpose is to inform users about the image’s source and provide contextual information, thereby debunking any evidence presented by news organizations.
AI images will be marked
The search engine giant is expected to actively mark all images generated by artificial intelligence. Other services and platforms will be compatible with these tools to ensure the addition of markups to the files. Google has onboarded Shutterstock and Midjourney as publishers. Furthermore, Google will take action when any AI-generated content on the search results page is flagged.
According to Bloomberg News, the issue of image origin on the internet is rapidly growing in the age of AI. Many startups are developing tools for verification and authentication in response to this problem.
For example, Truepic Inc., backed by Microsoft, offers systems that guarantee images remain unaltered from capture to delivery. Although they are relatively low-tech, Google plans to introduce these new features within a year. Nonetheless, they can have a significant positive impact with sufficient industry support.
Final Thoughts
Google’s proactive approach to combating misinformation through its new image search features marks a significant step in the ongoing battle against fake news. By introducing the “About this image” feature, users will now have access to valuable contextual information and image sources, enabling them to make more informed judgments about the content they encounter.
Additionally, the marking of AI-generated images and collaboration with publishers like Shutterstock and Midjourney demonstrate Google’s commitment to transparency and accountability. While the challenge of image origin in the age of AI continues to grow, Google’s efforts, combined with the emergence of verification and authentication tools by startups, offer hope for a more trustworthy online environment. With industry support, these new features have the potential to substantially impact curbing the spread of misinformation and ensuring the integrity of visual content on the internet.
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