Google’s “Circle to Search” gets smarter, identifying AI images and misinformation

In an era brimming with misinformation, we need all the weapons we can get to fight it. Google has added a new tool to its Search feature, designed to help you verify the legitimacy of images. Called “About this image,” the feature leverages Google’s AI technology to provide information about an image’s source, metadata, and even whether it was AI-generated.

“Say your friend texts you an image of a cloud that eerily resembles a UFO, and you want to figure out what’s going on,” Google writes in a blog post. With “About this image,” you can circle or tap on the image in the Circle to Search interface and then swipe up to access details about its origin. The tool can reveal where the image came from, how it’s been used on other websites, and even provide metadata like the photographer’s name and image creation details.

One of the most promising aspects of “About this Image” is its ability to identify AI-generated images. Google claims the feature can detect images created using its own technology, such as Imagen 2 and Gemini, thanks to a watermark embedded in the pixels.

The “About this image” feature is also available through Google Lens. To use it, simply screenshot or download an image, open the Google app, and tap the Lens icon. From there, you can swipe up to access the image information.

However, take the results with a grain of salt. “It’s important to remember that metadata can be added or removed by the person who posts an image,” Google warns. “When available, you’ll be able to see metadata that image creators and publishers have added to an image, including fields that may indicate that it’s been generated or enhanced by AI.” Another minus is that this functionality is limited to Google’s own AI models. For now, it remains unclear how effective it will be in identifying images generated by other AI systems.

The feature is currently rolling out in 40 languages and is available on select Android devices, including Samsung and Pixel smartphones.

While “About this image” is a step in the right direction, it’s essential to remember that it’s not foolproof. As AI image generation technology continues to advance, so too must the tools designed to combat misinformation. Still, it’s good to have another tool in the box… Even if it’s not a multitool that we’ll use for almost any occasion.

[via PetaPixel]