Google introducing ‘About this Image’ Tool to check Image Credibility
In today’s world, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to determine if a picture is real or if it has been altered or generated by AI technology. However, Google is introducing a new tool called “About this image” to help address this issue. This tool, available in Google image searches, helps users verify the origins and history of an image, initially available in the US and in English.
When you perform a “reverse image search” by uploading an image of unknown origin, you’ll see a menu option that provides information about that image. You can find out when the picture and similar ones were first indexed by Google, where it first appeared on the web, and which websites have used it since then.
For example, if a picture of a breaking news event first appeared on reputable news sources like Getty, Reuters, or CNN, it would likely be considered legitimate. On the other hand, if a picture with a news organization’s watermark first appeared on a random comedy subreddit, it’s more likely to be fake, regardless of how incredible it may look.
Image: Google
It is hoped that this tool will be adopted by other search engine competitors and made available globally, as the spread of misinformation is a problem beyond just one country and language.
Key Features of “About this Image” Tool:
- Image Indexing: Users can find out when the image, along with similar images, was first indexed by Google, providing insight into its history and origin.
- Initial Appearance: The tool reveals where the image may have first appeared on the web, offering clues about its initial context and sources.
- Online Presence: Users can discover where else the image has been seen online, including news, social, or fact-checking sites. This information helps determine the image’s credibility and widespread usage.
- Contextual Information: By using “About this Image,” users can gain a better understanding of an image’s reliability. For example, they can learn that an image depicting a staged moon landing is AI-generated, as pointed out by news articles.
Accessing the Tool
Users can access the “About this image” tool through various methods, including clicking on the three dots on an image in Google Images results, using Google Lens to search with an image or screenshot, or swiping up in the Google App when encountering an image of interest. Additionally, later this year, users will be able to use the tool by right-clicking or long-pressing on an image in Chrome on both desktop and mobile devices.
Markup for AI-Generated Images
Google is also announcing its commitment to provide context for AI-generated images. Each AI-generated image from Google will have a markup in the original file, regardless of where it is encountered. Creators and publishers, including Midjourney, Shutterstock, and others, will have the opportunity to add similar markups to their images. This way, users can easily identify AI-generated images in Google Search, as well as in images from various publishers.
Conclusion
Google’s introduction of the “About this image” tool empowers users to verify the authenticity of photographs in an era filled with digitally altered or AI-generated images. By providing valuable information about an image’s origins and history, this tool aids in the fight against misinformation. Furthermore, the inclusion of metadata for AI-created images and the potential industry-wide adoption of similar tools contribute to a more transparent online landscape.
