Google’s latest AI model, Gemini 2.0 Flash, is at the center of a controversial debate over copyright after the system’s ability to remove watermarks from images became public knowledge.
The technology can remove watermarks from stock images from major providers such as Getty Images, reconstructing the underlying image content. This feature is part of Google’s strategy to expand its AI offerings, but raises serious ethical and legal questions. The model, labeled as “experimental”, is mainly available through developer tools such as AI Studio, raising concerns about potential abuse due to the lack of watermark removal safeguards.
The ease with which Gemini removes watermarks alarms copyright experts, as such actions are considered illegal in the US without the consent of the rights holder. Unlike other AI models such as Anthropic’s Claude 3.7 Sonnet and OpenAI’s GPT-4o, which refuse to assist with watermark removal, Gemini lacks appropriate safeguards.
Legal experts emphasize that the use of AI to infringe copyrights can have serious consequences. The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) protects copyrighted information, making the unauthorized removal of watermarks an infringement that could expose users to legal consequences. Google itself has acknowledged the risks associated with the misuse of its generative AI tools and has stated that copyright infringement violates its terms of service.
The technological basis of Gemini 2.0 Flash uses advanced inpainting algorithms that reconstruct areas from which watermarks have been removed. This process ensures that the visual integrity of the image is largely preserved, although results may vary – especially with complex or large watermarks.
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Executive Summary
Google’s Gemini 2.0 Flash can effectively remove watermarks from images and reconstruct the original image content
The feature raises significant legal concerns regarding copyright infringement
Unlike competing products, Gemini lacks protection mechanisms against watermark removal
The DMCA protects copyrighted information, which can result in legal consequences for unauthorized watermark removal
The technology uses advanced inpainting algorithms for image reconstruction
Google recognizes the risk of abuse, but has not yet implemented effective restrictions
The development is in the context of a growing proliferation of AI tools for watermark removal
