OpenAI has endorsed a new California bill that mandates the “watermarking” of AI-generated content, ensuring videos, images, and text created by AI are easily identifiable as synthetic. The bill, aimed at enhancing transparency and curbing the spread of misinformation, addresses growing concerns over the deceptive use of AI-generated media such as deepfakes.
Under the proposed legislation, all AI-generated content distributed in California must include a digital watermark or tag indicating it was created by an AI system. The goal is to help consumers recognize synthetic media, reducing the risks of manipulation and misinformation.
OpenAI, a leading AI research firm behind models like GPT-4, supports the bill as a step toward greater transparency in AI deployment. “We believe watermarking is essential for ensuring synthetic media isn’t misused or misrepresented,” said an OpenAI spokesperson, reflecting the company’s ongoing commitment to ethical AI use.
While challenges such as potential circumvention of the watermarking system remain, proponents argue that the bill will help safeguard public trust by making AI-generated content more transparent. If passed, the bill could set a national precedent for regulating synthetic media.
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