Midjourney launches a tool for changing images with AI | Best dall e 3 image generator online | Free generative ai tools for images | Dall-e pretrained model | Turtles AI

Midjourney launches a tool for changing images with AI
The new functionality raises questions about copyright and DeepFake management in the online community
Isabella V20 October 2024

 

 

Midjourney is preparing to launch a new web tool that allows users to edit existing images using their own generative AI. This initiative raises important questions about image and metadata management, especially in the context of the growing prevalence of deepfakes.

Key points:

  • Midjourney will release an AI-based image editing tool.
  • It will initially be accessible to a select group of users with increased moderation.
  • There is growing concern about the use of unregulated editing tools.
  • In the United States, more than ten states are introducing laws against deepfakes.

Midjourney, known for its approach to generative AI, has announced plans to introduce a new web tool that will allow users to edit images uploaded from the Internet. This feature, scheduled to launch early next week according to CEO David Holtz, offers the ability to restructure objects in images, allowing “repainting” of colors and details based on custom captions. In recent times, image editing using AI has raised a lively debate. Several platforms, including Meta, have grappled with the question of how to label images altered with AI tools versus those created from scratch. Google has presented recent technological advances, but without providing clear guidance on image modification through AI. Although Midjourney has adopted the IPTC’s Digital Source Type property for metadata, highlighting when an image is generated by AI, it has not yet integrated the C2PA system, which provides full traceability of the origin of images, including the hardware and software used in their creation. Holtz also mentioned that, at an early stage, the tool will be limited to a subset of the user community, with an increase in human moderation and the inclusion of new AI moderation tools to prevent possible abuse. The CEO also expressed uncertainties about how to handle the implementation of this feature. However, there are significant risks associated with the release of such tools, such as potential copyright infringement or the spread of deceptive deepfakes. Artificially generated images have already caused confusion on social media, complicating the distinction between reality and misinformation, particularly in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. According to data from Clarity, the current year has seen a 900 percent increase in the creation and publication of deepfakes over the previous year, causing concern among the public; a YouGov poll revealed that 85 percent of Americans fear the proliferation of misleading deepfakes online. In the absence of federal legislation criminalizing deepfakes in the United States, more than ten states have already introduced laws against impersonation via AI. In California, a bill, currently stalled, seeks to empower judges to order the removal of offensive deepfakes, under penalty of fines. Midjourney has faced criticism for its responsible management of AI, having been sued for alleged misuse of copyrighted content. Recently, however, it has taken steps to reduce the spread of deepfakes by implementing specific filters for political figures ahead of the upcoming U.S. presidential election.

It is clear that the future of image editing using AI requires attention and responsibility from all parties involved.