Mountain View, CA – Google Launches SynthID Detector to Verify AI-Generated Content

A Public Tool for Media Authentication

Google has officially launched SynthID Detector, a publicly accessible tool aimed at verifying whether digital content has been generated by AI. The system is designed to help users, journalists, and platforms identify media created with Google’s AI models, offering a new line of defense against misinformation and synthetic content manipulation.

Invisible Watermarks Embedded in AI-Generated Media

At the core of SynthID is a proprietary watermarking technology that invisibly embeds identifiers into AI-generated images, audio, video, and even text. These watermarks are imperceptible to the human eye and ear, but can be reliably detected using Google’s specialized detection tool, available via a new online portal.

Users can upload media to the SynthID Detector, which will scan for the presence of the digital watermark. If detected, the system confirms that the content was generated using Google’s suite of generative AI models, such as those behind Imagen, Veo, or Gemini.

A Global Push for AI Transparency

Announced on May 20, 2025, SynthID Detector is part of Google’s broader initiative to promote transparency and accountability in the era of generative AI. The tool is designed to help curb the spread of AI-generated misinformation, especially as synthetic media becomes increasingly realistic and harder to distinguish from human-created content.

Supporting a Multimodal Future

Google emphasized that SynthID supports multiple content formats, making it one of the most comprehensive AI-detection frameworks publicly available today. The watermark persists even after common modifications such as resizing, compression, or minor editing—enhancing its utility across various platforms and use cases.

Responsible AI in a Deepfake Era

The launch comes amid growing global concern about deepfakes, synthetic disinformation, and AI-assisted fraud, particularly in the lead-up to high-stakes elections and global events. By making detection tools more accessible, Google hopes to empower creators, platforms, and watchdogs to identify and flag AI-generated content more accurately.

Setting a Precedent for Ethical AI Deployment

SynthID Detector also aligns with commitments Google made under the White House’s voluntary AI safety guidelinesand international AI governance forums. It sets a precedent for how large AI companies can integrate accountability features directly into their generation pipelines, rather than relying solely on post-hoc detection or moderation.

What’s Next for SynthID

Google confirmed that it plans to expand SynthID’s capabilities over time, including integration into third-party platforms and potential open-sourcing of certain components to encourage industry-wide adoption of watermarking standards.

With SynthID Detector, Google reinforces its position as a leader in ethical AI development, offering practical tools to help society adapt to a world increasingly shaped by synthetic media.