Google, alongside the Pixel 9 smartphones, announced a new AI-powered photo editing tool called Reimagine. This feature, an evolution of the Magic Editor tool, allows users to not only change the background but also add objects to photos using text suggestions.
According to journalists from The Verge who tested the new feature, the results often look very convincing, with properly selected lighting, shadows, and perspective. We’ll keep you updated on any further developments regarding this innovative technology.
Potential Misuse and Concerns
However, as testing showed, Reimagine can be used to create disturbing content, including scenes of violence and adding prohibited items. Journalists were able to generate many images of accidents and, accordingly, everything that can be associated with them.
Google representative Alex Moriconi commented on the situation: “We design our generative AI tools with user intent in mind, but we have clear rules and terms of use that define what content is acceptable and what is not.” Despite Moriconi’s words, journalists easily bypassed the restrictions by using creative wording in text queries.
While photo editing is nothing new, Reimagine makes the process incredibly simple and accessible, notes NIX Solutions. Now, any user of the new Pixel can realistically add any objects to a photo, including, bypassing Google’s rules, accident scenes or other disturbing elements, in just a few seconds.
“Maybe everyone will follow Google’s rules regarding AI and use Reimagine to add flowers and rainbows to their photos. That would be great! But just in case, it’s worth taking the photos you see online with a grain of salt,” concludes Allison Johnson from The Verge.
As this technology continues to evolve, it’s important to remain vigilant about the authenticity of images we encounter online. We’ll keep you updated on any further developments or safeguards implemented by Google to address these concerns.