Snap Inc., known for its innovative features on its social media platform, has announced steps to ensure the authenticity and proper use of images created using its AI-powered services. Their new initiative includes placing watermarks on AI-generated images to distinguish them from user-generated content.
The specific watermark chosen by Snap is a transparent rendition of the company’s logo accompanied by a sparkle emoji. This watermark will appear on all AI-generated visuals that are exported from the Snap app or saved to users’ camera rolls. The design not only brands the images but also indicates that the visuals are products of Snap’s AI technology.
Snap’s move to watermark AI-created images aligns with broader efforts by tech companies to provide transparency around the content generated by advanced algorithms. Tech behemoths like Microsoft, Meta, and Google have already made strides to label or identify their AI-generated content.
For instance, Snap includes a “sparkle” visual marker on its AI-powered features like Lenses to alert users that they’re viewing AI-enhanced content. The company has stated on its support page that tampering with or removing the watermarks would be against its terms of use.
Snap’s premium subscribers currently have access to the Snap AI tool, which enables them to create or edit images using artificial intelligence. The platform’s selfie feature, Dreams, also allows users to employ AI to enhance their photos.
Committed to safe and transparent AI use, Snap has implemented indicators like context cards on features like Dreams to educate users on the nature of the images. This educational approach is rooted in Snap’s broader interest in ensuring all users have an informed and unbiased experience when engaging with AI-generated content.
This commitment was further exemplified through Snap’s partnership with HackerOne in February, when the company launched a bug bounty program focused on rigorously testing its AI image-generation tools to minimize bias and enhance safety.
Moreover, following the release of the “My AI” chatbot and subsequent user exploits that led to inappropriate interactions, Snap has taken additional steps in improving AI safety and moderation. They have extended controls in their Family Center, allowing parents and guardians to oversee and regulate their children’s interactions with AI functionality.
As AI continues to become an integral part of user experience on social media platforms, Snap’s proactive measures reflect a growing industry trend to prioritize user safety, transparency, and ethical use of technology. These developments encourage users to engage with AI in a well-informed manner, aware of its origins and the policies governing its use.
