Controversy is brewing as Google's recently released AI model "Gemini 2.0 Flash" sparks copyright concerns
Google's latest AI model, the "Gemini 2.0 Flash," has stirred up controversy due to its ability to remove watermarks from images. This new technology has raised questions about potential copyright infringement, especially concerning images from well-known stock image companies like Getty Images.
Concerns Raised
Reports from sources like TechCrunch have highlighted that the image editing capabilities of the Gemini 2.0 Flash not only eliminate watermarks but also seamlessly restore the edited areas. While AI-based editing tools generally offer functions to detect and remove watermarks, the precision and accessibility of the Gemini 2.0 Flash raise particular concerns.
Ethical Concerns
In contrast to Google's Gemini model, other major AI models like OpenAI's GPT-4o and Anthropic's Claude 3.7 Sonet have taken steps to limit or prohibit watermark removal functions. The Claude model explicitly labels watermark deletion as "unethical and potentially illegal behavior."
Under U.S. copyright law, removing watermarks without prior consent from the copyright holders is considered a violation, leading to legal repercussions. Users of the Gemini 2.0 Flash and similar technologies must be aware of the legal implications and ethical considerations surrounding image editing and copyright protection.
It is crucial for individuals and businesses utilizing AI image editing tools to adhere to copyright regulations and respect the intellectual property rights of content creators.
