Google is rolling out a new feature to help people understand when an ad they see was made using AI technology. The tech giant will introduce this change to the My Ad Center panel, which users can access via Google Search, YouTube, and Google Discover. Anyone clicking the three-dot menu or info icon on an ad will now see an option stating how it was made. When advertisers use Google’s generative AI advertising tools, the disclosure activates automatically. For ads created elsewhere, the advertiser must manually indicate AI involvement, as Google will not independently verify the claim. Local laws in some markets may also trigger mandatory labeling regardless of the tool used.
This update addresses the growing concern that synthetic content can mislead consumers about product authenticity. While Google already prohibits deceptive practices, the ability to generate realistic images without human intervention creates ambiguity. The new label clarifies whether an image is a real photograph or digitally altered content. This transparency aims to restore trust between brands and buyers in a crowded marketplace. It also sets a precedent for how other platforms might handle similar disclosures in the future.
* Applies to ads on Search, YouTube, and Google Discover
* Requires manual declaration for externally created content
* Automatically enabled when using Google’s built-in AI tools
