Recently, the three tech giants OpenAI, Adobe, and Microsoft have jointly expressed their support for a new California bill that requires tech companies to add labels to content generated by artificial intelligence (AI), helping people identify what is AI-created. According to a letter obtained by TechCrunch, the bill is expected to go to a final vote in August.
Image source: Image generated by AI, authorized by Midjourney
The bill, named AB3211, primarily requires watermarks to be added to the metadata of photos, videos, and audio clips generated by AI. Although many AI companies are already doing this, many people do not pay much attention to metadata. Therefore, AB3211 also requires large online platforms, such as Instagram and X, to mark AI-generated content in a way that ordinary viewers can understand.
It is worth noting that OpenAI, Adobe, and Microsoft are all members of the "Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity," which helped develop the C2PA metadata standard, widely used for marking AI-generated content. Surprisingly, an industry group representing Adobe, Microsoft, and the largest U.S. software manufacturers had opposed AB3211 in April, calling it "unfeasible" and "too burdensome." However, with revisions to the bill, their stance has changed, and they now support its passage.
The introduction of this bill reflects the efforts of tech companies towards transparency in AI content and has sparked broader discussions. It can be said that marking AI-generated content is not only about addressing the issue of information sources but also helps to enhance public understanding and trust in AI technology to some extent.
✅ OpenAI, Adobe, and Microsoft support California's AB3211 bill, requiring the marking of AI-generated content.
✅ The bill mandates the addition of watermarks in metadata and clear identification on large platforms.
✅ The industry group initially opposed the bill but changed its stance after revisions, now supporting it.