Meta is updating its photo labeling system, changing the “Made with AI” tag to “AI Info” across all its apps. This decision follows feedback from photographers who reported that real photos with basic edits were being labeled as AI-generated.
The original tag caused confusion about the level of AI used in a photo. Meta acknowledged that the “Made with AI” label didn’t accurately represent the extent of AI involvement in the image creation process. The new “AI Info” tag aims to clarify that the image may have been modified using AI tools, not necessarily created entirely by AI.
The underlying technology for detecting AI use in photos remains unchanged. Meta will continue to use metadata standards like C2PA and IPTC to identify AI tool usage. For example, if a photographer uses Adobe’s Generative AI Fill to remove objects, the photo might still be tagged with the new label. Meta hopes this new tag will better align with users’ expectations and provide clearer context.
Meta’s spokesperson, Kate McLaughlin, explained that the “AI Info” label is intended to cover both AI-created and AI-modified content, aiming for greater transparency while working with industry standards to improve the labeling process.
However, the new label won’t solve the problem of fully AI-generated photos going undetected or indicate the extent of AI-powered editing on an image. Meta and other social networks must establish guidelines that don’t unfairly penalize photographers who use AI tools for minor edits. Similarly, companies like Adobe should inform photographers that using certain AI tools might result in their images being labeled on various platforms.
