Google releases open-source watermarking tool to detect AI-generated text
Google has made its watermarking tool, SynthID, available as an open-source technology to help detect AI-generated text. This move is part of Google’s broader efforts to promote responsible AI development and is now part of their Responsible Generative AI Toolkit. SynthID was initially developed to make it easier to identify content generated by large language models (LLMs).
How SynthID Works
SynthID works by embedding an invisible watermark into AI-generated text, images, audio, and video, making it detectable by software but invisible to humans. The watermark is integrated into the generation process without compromising the quality, accuracy, or creativity of the content.
When a large language model generates text, it predicts and selects the next most likely word or token based on probability scores. For instance, if the phrase “My favorite tropical fruits are __” is entered, the model might generate the words “mango,” “papaya,” or “lychee.” SynthID adjusts these probability scores slightly to create a watermark. These adjustments occur throughout the text, embedding a pattern that can later be identified as AI-generated.
Google claims SynthID works even with short text (as little as three sentences) and can still detect AI content even if it’s paraphrased or modified. However, the tool struggles with detecting very short text, text that’s been significantly rewritten, or content translated into other languages.
Why Watermarking is Important
Watermarking AI-generated content is becoming crucial in the current landscape, where AI models can be misused for malicious purposes such as spreading misinformation or creating inappropriate content. Governments are starting to take notice—California is exploring the idea of making watermarking mandatory, and China has already implemented regulations requiring it.
Although SynthID isn’t a perfect solution, it marks an important step in the development of tools to identify AI-generated content. Google notes that it’s not a “silver bullet” for solving all problems related to AI identification but says it’s a building block toward more reliable solutions.
Impact on Developers
By releasing SynthID as open-source software, Google hopes to empower other AI developers to incorporate similar watermarking technologies into their own models. This could help create a more responsible AI ecosystem by making it easier to track and identify AI-generated text across different platforms.
Pushmeet Kohli, Vice President of Research at Google DeepMind, shared with MIT Technology Review that developers using large language models will benefit from the open-source SynthID. It will allow them to detect whether their own models have produced the text, ensuring they contribute to responsible AI practices.
Conclusion
Google’s decision to open-source SynthID is a significant step in advancing AI transparency. While it’s not a complete solution for identifying AI-generated content, it provides developers with a tool to build more responsible AI systems. As more developers integrate SynthID or similar watermarking techniques, the technology will likely improve, helping to make AI-generated content more transparent and trustworthy.
In an AI-driven world, tools like SynthID will become increasingly vital for distinguishing between human-created and AI-generated content, supporting informed decision-making and protecting users from potential misuse of AI technology.
Google Wallet can now store digital versions of your US passport! This can be used for domestic travel security checks at TSA checkpoints if your state doesn’t offer a digital ID yet.
Here’s how to add your passport to Google Wallet:
- Open the Google Wallet app on your Android phone (version 9 or later).
- Tap “Add to Wallet” and then “ID” followed by “ID Pass.”
- Follow the steps to scan your passport information page and the security chip inside the back cover.
- Record a short video of yourself for verification.
Important things to remember:
- This digital passport isn’t a replacement for your physical passport, so always carry both when traveling.
- It currently only works for domestic travel within the US.
- If you lose your phone, you can remove the digital passport from your Google account.
Pixel phones get new features to improve battery health!
The latest update lets you set a charging limit of 80% to slow down battery degradation. There’s also a hidden feature called “bypass charging” that might be even more helpful.
What is bypass charging?
With bypass charging, when your battery reaches 80%, your phone will continue to use power directly from the charger instead of the battery. This reduces wear and tear on the battery, especially while gaming or using demanding apps.
Is bypass charging available on all Pixel phones?
It’s not entirely clear yet. The 80% charging limit works on many Pixel models, but bypass charging has only been confirmed on the Pixel 8 Pro so far. It likely works on Pixel 8, 8a, and the Pixel 9 series too, but Google hasn’t officially confirmed this.
Pixel Screenshots get smarter!
The latest update for Pixel Screenshots on Pixel 9 phones integrates with Gboard. Now, when you take a screenshot that includes a movie, song, or product, Pixel Screenshots remembers that information.
How does this help?
For example, if you screenshot a song title and then open a music app, Gboard might autofill the song name for you. This feature is called “proactive recall.”
Other Pixel Screenshots updates:
- The image viewer now suggests more search terms based on your screenshots.
- The app automatically categorizes your screenshots (this might take some time).
- You can easily save a specific part of a screenshot with “Circle to Search.”
This update also brings new features to Gboard, including a sticker pack and the ability to browse Emoji Kitchen combinations.
Gemini Gets a Mini Makeover:
- The website’s text field now looks like the mobile app.
- The Android app now shows your Gemini model type (like “1.5 Pro”).
40 New Templates for Google Docs:
- Google Docs has added new, modern templates for various uses like business proposals or meeting notes.
- These templates are designed to save you time by providing a starting point for your document.
- You can find them by going to File > New > From template gallery.
Customize Your Google Messages Profile:
- Google Messages now lets you easily edit your profile information, including name and picture.
- This helps people you message recognize you better.
More to Come:
- Google says to expect even more new Docs templates in the future.
- Google Messages’ profile feature is rolling out to everyone soon.
Some Pixel users who have updated to Android 15 QPR1 have noticed a strange visual bug. The update seems to be mixing up the light and dark themes for app icons.
For example, if your phone is set to light mode, you might see app icons appear in their dark mode versions. Conversely, if your phone is in dark mode, you might see light mode app icons. This can make the phone’s interface look inconsistent and a bit jarring.
This issue is particularly noticeable with themed icons, which are designed to match the system’s color scheme. However, due to this bug, they appear in the opposite color scheme, creating a visual mismatch.
While this is a minor bug, it can be quite annoying for users who prefer a consistent look and feel on their devices. Fortunately, Google is aware of the issue and is working on a fix. It’s likely that this bug will be addressed in a future update.
In the meantime, users will have to wait patiently for a resolution. While there’s no official workaround at the moment, some users have reported that switching between different accent colors and then reverting back to the original color scheme might temporarily fix the issue. However, this is not a guaranteed solution and may vary depending on the device and Android version.
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