Updated
Updated · The Verge · Aug 14
Google Lets Gemini, Flow Users Remove Visible AI Watermarks as Invisible SynthID Tags Stay
Updated
Updated · The Verge · Aug 14

Google Lets Gemini, Flow Users Remove Visible AI Watermarks as Invisible SynthID Tags Stay

3 articles · Updated · The Verge · Aug 14

Summary

  • Google added a “Media watermark” toggle in Gemini and Flow that lets users turn off the visible “sparkle” mark on AI-generated images, videos and music.
  • Invisible SynthID watermarks and C2PA metadata will still be embedded, and users can ask Gemini or Search to verify whether content carries those AI markers.
  • Google said the shift reflects user behavior—many people were already editing out visible marks—and brings its tools closer to OpenAI and Meta, which do not rely on visible watermarks.
  • Search will also get the new setting, though Google said the toggle will not launch in countries that require visible AI watermarks.

Insights

With Google removing visible AI watermarks for creators, will invisible tracking like SynthID truly stop the next wave of undetectable deepfakes?
Why are users in certain regions forced to pay for an AI Ultra subscription just to turn off Google's distracting media watermarks?