Google will soon allow users to remove visible watermarks from AI-generated images and videos. A toggle will be available for models like Nano Banana, Omni, and Lyria, with plans to extend it to Gemini and the Flow video editor. While this move might seem to undermine the purpose of visible watermarks—quick identification of AI content—users will still have access to less direct methods for detection.

These alternative methods, such as the invisible Synth ID watermark and C2PA metadata, require user action to reveal. Google VP Josh Woodward stated the toggle is rolling out globally, with exceptions for countries like the EU and South Korea where visible watermarks are legally mandated for certain AI content. This change aims to balance creative control with safety, acknowledging that visible watermarks can be a hurdle for creative professionals.

This development follows similar industry trends, including Suno's new labeling system for AI-generated songs and Anthropic's addition of invisible C2PA watermarks to Claude content to comply with EU regulations.