Google will now allow users to remove visible watermark from its AI generations
Turning off this setting won't affect invisible benchmarks used to identify an AI generated file.
Source: TechCrunch · August 14, 2026 at 6:54 PM · AI-assisted report
KUALA LUMPUR, 15 AUGUST 2026 —
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Google Allows Users to Remove Visible AI Watermarks, Retains Invisible Tracking
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KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 14 — Google will now let users disable visible watermarks on AI-generated content, including images, videos, and songs, while maintaining invisible tracking for transparency. The change, announced on Friday, applies to models such as Nano Banana, Omni, and Lyria, with the toggle available in Gemini and Google’s video editor, Flow. Support for Search will follow.
The move balances creative flexibility with accountability, as visible watermarks can hinder professional use. Google’s vice president for Gemini, Josh Woodward, said invisible SynthID watermarks and C2PA metadata will remain active to identify AI-generated files. Users can adjust the setting via Settings > Media Watermark once rolled out in the coming days.
Google also introduced Credentio, an open-source library enabling developers to embed local validation for AI content in their apps. This follows Anthropic’s recent decision to watermark text and files from its Claude model to comply with EU regulations.
Details on regional rollout timelines, including Malaysia, were not yet available.
The adjustment reflects broader industry efforts to refine AI labeling standards while addressing concerns over content authenticity. Analysts suggest this shift may influence adoption among creators prioritizing unobstructed workflows.
Related: Google