Instagram is gearing up to introduce a new feature that will help users identify when AI has been involved in creating content on the platform. App researcher Alessandro Paluzzi recently shared a screenshot of an Instagram page displaying a notice stating that the content was “created or edited with AI.” This includes a brief explanation of generative AI and tips for recognizing AI-generated posts.
The move comes after Meta, alongside other major AI players like Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI, made commitments to the White House regarding responsible AI development. Part of these commitments involves developing a watermarking system to inform users when content is AI-generated.
The exact automation level of Instagram’s labeling system remains unclear, and it’s uncertain how much user disclosure will be involved. However, the mention of “Meta said” in the notice implies that the tech firm may proactively apply the label in some cases without relying solely on user honesty. Meta declined to comment on the matter.
While AI-generated content is still in its early stages, there have been instances of AI-generated misinformation going viral on social media. This underscores the importance of properly identifying AI-generated content to curb the spread of false information.
Meta has already open-sourced its large language model LLaMA 2, but consumer-facing generative AI features for platforms like Instagram are yet to be widely released. Hints of upcoming features include using text prompts to modify photos for Instagram Stories and the potential integration of an AI chatbot ‘personas’ feature into Meta’s products.
Google has also announced a new tool called “About this image,” set to launch this summer, which will help users determine if an image has been AI-generated by providing important clues about its origins. As AI continues to advance, platforms are taking steps to ensure transparency and responsible use of this powerful technology.
