Key Takeaways
- Google will disclose when ads are created using AI.
- The feature will be available in the ‘My Ad Center’ panel.
- Advertisers must indicate AI involvement for non-Google generated ads.
- Local laws may require additional labeling of AI ads.
New Feature Announcement
Google is launching a feature designed to inform users when an advertisement has been created with artificial intelligence. This initiative aims to enhance transparency in advertising, allowing consumers to better understand the nature of the ads they encounter.
Understanding AI in Advertising
AI technology simplifies the ad creation process for businesses, enabling them to showcase products in various contexts while reducing costs associated with traditional photography. However, this can lead to confusion if consumers are unaware that they are viewing digitally altered images rather than actual product photos. While Google has policies against misleading advertisements, the use of AI for synthetic content has not been widely disclosed until now, with previous requirements only applying to election-related ads.
How It Works
The new feature will be integrated into the ‘My Ad Center’ panel, accessible globally through Google Search, YouTube, and Google Discover. Users can find this option by clicking on the three-dot menu or the info icon on ads. The panel already provides functionalities for blocking or reporting ads and learning more about the advertisers. With the new addition, users will see a prompt labeled ‘How this ad was made,’ indicating if AI was involved in its creation.
Advertiser Responsibilities
When advertisers utilize Google’s generative AI tools, the AI disclosure will be automatically activated. For ads created outside of Google’s ecosystem, advertisers must manually indicate if AI played a role in their creation. Google will not verify this information independently. In certain regions, local regulations may also necessitate labeling ads as AI-generated.