Google Photos is reportedly testing a new feature aimed at improving transparency by identifying whether photos and videos were created or edited using artificial intelligence (AI). This addition, discovered in version 7.41 of the app by Android Authority, is internally referred to as “threepio.” Its primary purpose is to introduce a “How it was made” section in the media details view, accessible by swiping up on an image or video.
The feature will display specific information about the creation or editing process, clearly differentiating between AI-generated or AI-edited media and those altered through traditional methods. According to strings found in the app’s code, Google Photos will be capable of detecting a wide range of modifications—from simple manual adjustments to more advanced AI-driven edits.
To help users quickly understand the nature of the changes, the interface will apply distinct labels such as “Media created with AI,” “Edited with AI tools,” or “Edited with multiple AI tools.” For content not processed through generative AI, labels like “Edited with multiple non-AI tools” or “Media captured with a camera” will be used. This labeling system aims to provide users with clarity regarding the authenticity and origin of their media files.
This initiative builds on Google’s ongoing efforts to combat visual misinformation. Previous steps have included adding watermarks to AI-edited images, making it easier for users to identify manipulated content. The new labeling system enhances this approach by offering direct, contextual information within the app, allowing users to see exactly how and with what tools a piece of media was altered.
The implementation reflects Google’s broader strategy to ensure that media interpretation becomes more transparent and trustworthy. By revealing whether AI played a role in the creation or modification of images and videos, Google Photos could help mitigate the spread of deepfakes and other deceptive content.
Although there has been no official announcement or confirmed release date, the discovery suggests that Google is actively testing the feature. If rolled out, it would represent a significant step in giving users deeper insight into the authenticity of the media they view and share. This could be particularly valuable as AI-generated and AI-edited content becomes increasingly common, making it harder for users to distinguish between original and altered media without such built-in tools.
Filed in . Read more about AI (Artificial Intelligence), Google and Google Photos.
