Anyone can now check whether a photo, video or audio clip was made with artificial intelligence. Google has opened its SynthID Detector to users worldwide. The tool currently works in English.
How the Tool Works
Users upload a file to the detector. The tool then looks for a hidden watermark that Google’s technology embeds in AI-made media. The watermark cannot be seen or heard, so it does not change how the content looks or sounds.
However, the detector has limits. It only identifies content made with supported AI systems. These include tools from Google and some of its partners.
Who Is on Board
OpenAI, NVIDIA and Kakao are among the partners whose AI-made content the detector can recognise. Apple is expected to join soon. As more companies sign up, the tool should cover more of what people see online.
The Numbers Behind It
Google says it has watermarked more than 180 billion images and videos. It has also marked 240,000 years’ worth of audio.
In addition, Google’s other verification features handle over one million requests every day. Those features sit in Search, the Gemini app and the Chrome browser.
From Newsrooms to Everyone
Google first released an early version of the detector last year. That version was meant for media professionals who verify content. The new release removes that restriction and gives access to the general public.
Why Google Says It Matters
Pushmeet Kohli, a vice-president at Google DeepMind, announced the expansion in a blog post on October 7, 2026. He said AI tools are getting better and easier to use. Because of this, people need clearer context to decide what to trust online.
The move comes as fake images, videos and audio spread faster across social platforms. For many users, checking where a file came from is now a daily need.
