Meta has replaced the original "Created by AI" label with a new "AI Information" label in its applications in response to user complaints about unclear AI content labeling. This change aims to provide users with a better understanding of the level of AI involvement in creating or editing content on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads.
Meta launched the original "Created by AI" label in May to mark content generated or modified by AI. However, photographers quickly voiced their opposition as they found their lightly edited photos also labeled with the AI tag.
Meta acknowledged in an updated blog post, "Our labels did not meet people's expectations and did not provide enough context." They pointed out that even minor AI-assisted edits like basic retouching triggered the "Created by AI" label, which could mislead users and give them a misconception about the actual level of AI involvement.
The new "AI Information" label takes a more moderate approach, covering a wider range of AI usage in content creation and editing. Meta hopes that this change will better inform users while avoiding unnecessary alarms caused by everyday editing.
However, the label update does not solve all the issues. Meta's AI detection system remains unchanged and still relies on industry-standard tags and metadata that comply with C2PA and IPTC standards. This means that even with minor AI edits, a photo may still receive the "AI Information" label.
This label change is part of Meta's broader efforts to address AI-generated and manipulated media content. In April of this year, the company announced plans to expand its labeling scope after receiving feedback from its oversight board and conducting extensive public surveys.
Meta's shift in strategy highlights the challenges social media platforms face in the rapid development of AI tools. As AI becomes more powerful and widespread, it becomes increasingly difficult to distinguish between human-made, AI-assisted, and fully AI-generated content.
Although the new label offers more flexibility, it still raises questions about how the level of AI involvement should be disclosed. Content creators and users will closely monitor the effectiveness of this new approach in practice.
As AI reshapes the digital world, Meta's label update showcases the ongoing dialogue between technology companies, content creators, and users on setting standards for AI transparency and creativity on social media.
