Highlights
- Google adds a tool in the Gemini app to confirm if an image was generated or edited using its AI.
- Users can upload an image and prompt Gemini to check, the app scans for hidden SynthID markers and confirms.
- It is currently limited to Google AI‑generated images and SynthID verification will expand to video, audio, and more Google products.
Google has introduced a new verification feature inside the Gemini app, which lets users confirm whether an image was generated or edited using the company’s AI tools. The feature builds on Google’s SynthID watermarking system and marks a major step toward improving transparency around AI-generated content. The company also revealed plans to expand this capability beyond images to formats like video and audio. Here’s more on that.
Google’s SynthID Verification Explained
In a detailed blog post, Google says that every image produced by its AI models includes SynthID, a digital watermark designed to identify AI-generated output. The Gemini app now incorporates a verification tool that checks for this hidden marker.
SynthID was originally introduced by Google DeepMind in August 2023 as a beta initiative to accurately label AI-generated material.
Free and Pro users will see visible watermarks on images, while visible marks can be removed for Ultra subscribers and enterprise customers who need clean outputs for professional use.
The company is also piloting a dedicated verification portal, SynthID Detector with media organisations and journalists.
How to Check if an Image Was Created Using Gemini?
Users can verify an image through the Gemini app by following these steps –
- Open the Gemini app and upload the image you want to verify. Tap the Files icon to upload from your device or choose the Gallery icon to select from your photo library.
- After the image is uploaded, type a prompt such as “Was this created with Google AI?” or “Is this AI-generated?”
- Gemini will scan the image for the SynthID watermark and use its built-in reasoning to provide a verdict.
- The response will include the percentage of the image that was created using AI.
Google notes that SynthID verification currently works only for content generated by Google’s own AI tools and will not detect AI images created using third-party platforms. The company has recently expanded access to this technology for researchers, academia, and various media outlets.
Google confirmed that SynthID verification will soon support additional content formats. While the tool currently verifies only still images, future updates will extend the feature to video and audio. The company also aims to introduce SynthID verification to more Google products including Search.
FAQs
Q1. What new feature has Google added to the Gemini app?
Answer. Google introduced a verification tool that lets users check if an image was generated or edited using its AI, powered by SynthID watermarking.
Q2. How does SynthID verification work in the Gemini app?
Answer. Every AI‑generated image from Google includes a hidden SynthID watermark. Users can upload an image in the Gemini app, prompt verification, and receive a verdict showing the percentage of AI‑generated content.
Q3. What are the limitations and future plans for SynthID verification?
Answer. Currently, it only detects images created by Google’s AI tools, not third‑party platforms. Google plans to expand verification to video, audio, and more products like Search.