Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, is changing its AI labelling on photos. After user complaints about incorrect tagging, the label “Made with AI” will be replaced with “AI info.” This update aims to clarify that content may be modified by AI, not entirely generated by it.

Why the Change?

Former White House photographer Pete Souza highlighted an issue when he noticed the “Made with AI” tag on an old photo he uploaded. The tag was likely triggered by using Adobe’s editing tools, which apply metadata to the images.

Meta’s Kate McLaughlin explained, “We’re consistently improving our AI products and working with industry partners on AI labelling.” The goal is to provide clearer information about how AI is used in photo modifications.

Understanding the New Label

The new label, “AI info,” will indicate content that may be modified by AI tools rather than fully generated by AI. This change is designed to reduce confusion and provide more accurate information about photo modifications.

The issue arises from how tools like Adobe Photoshop apply metadata to images and how platforms like Meta interpret this data. As Meta’s policies evolved, real-life images were mistakenly tagged “Made with AI.”

How the New Labels Work

The new labelling will start appearing on mobile apps first, followed by web versions. Clicking the “AI info” tag will still provide detailed explanations, covering both fully AI-generated images and those edited with AI tools like Adobe’s Generative Fill.

Metadata tagging technologies like C2PA (Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity) were designed to simplify identifying AI-generated content. However, this technology isn’t fully developed yet, leading to some of the current tagging issues.

Moving Forward

Meta is committed to refining its AI labelling system. The collaboration with industry partners aims to enhance the accuracy and clarity of AI-related tags, making the digital world easier to navigate.

For users, this change means more accurate information about the content they encounter. Whether it’s a photo edited with AI tools or an image entirely generated by AI, the new “AI info” label will help distinguish between the two.

The Future of AI Labelling

As AI technology continues to evolve, so will the methods for labelling and identifying AI-modified content. Meta’s updates are a step toward clearer and more accurate digital content management. The goal? To simplify the digital world one tag at a time.

Real-Life Impact

Imagine uploading a cherished family photo to Facebook, only to see it tagged as “Made with AI.” You’ll know if AI tools were used to enhance the image, with the new ”AI info” label. In other words, it doesn’t falsely imply it was entirely AI-generated. This change brings clarity and reduces confusion for everyday users.

In summary, Meta’s updated AI labelling is a significant step toward better clarity and accuracy in digital content management. By replacing “Made with AI” with “AI info,” Meta aims to provide users with a clearer understanding of how AI is used in modifying photos. Ultimately, it will enhance the user experience across its platforms.