Meta Updates AI Labels to Avoid Misidentifying Real Photos as AI Creations

Meta Updates AI Labels to Avoid Misidentifying Real Photos as AI Creations

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and WhatsApp, is changing the way it labels social media posts that are suspected to be generated or modified using artificial intelligence (AI). Previously, posts that Meta’s systems identified as AI-generated were marked with the label “Made with AI.” However, this method often misidentified images with minor edits as AI-created, which led to criticism from artists and photographers.

Pete Souza, a former White House photographer, reported that basic image cropping triggered Meta’s AI detection technologies. Meta acknowledged the problem and announced a new method. Instead of the “Made with AI” title, the firm will instead use “AI Info,” which readers may click to learn more about how AI was used in the article.

According to Meta, the goal of this modification is to strike a balance between rapid developments in AI technology and the need to assist consumers comprehend the material in their feeds. The new “AI Info” label will give a better and more accurate picture of AI’s participation in making or editing content.

The advancement of AI technology has made it more difficult for humans to distinguish between actual and AI-generated material. This is especially alarming as the 2024 US presidential election approaches, with bad actors expected to utilize AI to spread misinformation and mislead voters. Google researchers addressed this issue in a recent paper, stating that AI-generated photos of politicians and celebrities are among the most popular applications of the technology by those distributing misleading information.

Tech businesses are actively combating the abuse of AI. Earlier this year, OpenAI announced that it has disrupted misinformation efforts on social media platforms related to Russia, China, Iran, and Israel. Apple has also revealed intentions to add information to all photographs, whether changed or created by AI, in order to precisely identify them.

Despite these attempts, AI progress is outpacing organizations’ capacity to recognize it. The word “slop” has arisen to characterize the growing number of AI-generated posts on the internet. Furthermore, Google’s AI Overview tool, which highlights search results, has come under fire for disseminating false and misleading information. The business has committed to limit the distribution of this functionality to address these concerns, but certain problematic advice, such as applying glue to pizza to keep the cheese from slipping, remain in its recommendations.

In summary, Meta’s decision to update its AI labeling system reflects the broader challenge that tech companies face in managing the impact of rapidly evolving AI technologies. By providing clearer information about AI’s role in content creation, Meta hopes to enhance user understanding and trust in the posts they encounter on its platforms.

Source: CNET by Ian Sherr on July 1, 2024 3:00 p.m. PT. You can check out the full article here.

Voss Xolani Photo

Hi, I'm Voss Xolani, and I'm passionate about all things AI. With many years of experience in the tech industry, I specialize in explaining the functionality and benefits of AI-powered software for both businesses and individual users. My content explores the latest AI tools, offering practical insights on how they can streamline workflows, boost productivity, and drive innovation. I also review new software solutions to help readers understand their features and applications. Beyond that, I stay up-to-date with AI trends and experiment with emerging technologies to provide the most relevant information.