AI is becoming popular day by day in today’s world, which is a good thing. AI is helping the digital world in many aspects. However, if AI is coming with its set of benefits; there has always been a chance of it getting misused. Deepfake technology is one of the best examples to address the issue.
The Deepfake technology poses ethical threats to the real world. The technology is particularly targeting non-consensual explicit content. So, to counter the threat, Google has pushed a search algorithm update to oppose the explicit deepfakes. Keep reading to know more about the update.
Key Points
- Google search algorithm update 2024 is particularly targeting explicit deep fakes.
- The Google updates for deepfakes will improve the process of content removal.
- The update will impact approximately 7% of search queries across all languages.
- Google is aiming to turn down/demote sites hosting non-consensual content; leading to a 70% reduction rate of visibility of such images in search results.
- Google is also making sure that the users can easily report such explicit content; updating the systems to efficiently remove harmful content.
What Is Deepfake Technology?
Deepfake technology is an automated image generator technology. Deepfake is an AI-manipulated audio, video, or image often used to create non-consensual harmful and explicit content. The technology morphs or swaps the identity of a person with another.
Deepfake poses a great threat by spreading the wrong information to make it appear as trusted. There was an incident in 2022 when a AI-manipulated video of Volodymyr Zelenskyy was released asking his soldiers to surrender.
Therefore, the recent Google search algorithm update will stop the spreading of false info and non-consensual explicit content. The update filters out the harmful or defaming content involving person’s names to make the digital world safe.
Google’s New Search Algorithm Changes
Google has changed its search algorithm to recognize and penalize explicit deepfakes. This change is a part of a bigger initiative to improve the reliability of its search results and safeguard users from harmful information. The Google updates for deepfakes consists of several components:
- Easier Content Removal – Google updated its algorithms to simplify the removal process of fake & non-consensual explicit content from search queries. Once the request is accepted Google’s systems try to filter similar results across relevant searches for the victim. A new scanning system has been deployed to filter and remove duplicate photos once the original image has been removed successfully from results.
- Changes in Ranking System – The company adjusted the algorithm to reduce the visibility of fake content in most of the search queries. Systems are prioritizing non-explicit content, like news articles, for users seeking such content including person’s names. Basically, Google has been demoting or de-ranking sites spreading such content.
- Collaborating with Industry Experts – Google states that the issue of deepfake is something that is past search engines. The company plans to shake hands with industry experts to discuss the issue on a broader scale.
- Modern Detection Technology – Google is integrating modern AI and ML techniques to enhance the deepfake’s detection. These modern tech can identify AI-created content with the best accuracy by analyzing distortions and patterns in videos, images, and audios.
How The Algorithm Updates Will Affect Users?
Google search algorithm update aims to make search results safer by filtering out fake explicit non-consensual content. The updates will make sure that only safe pictures, videos show up and filter out the fake content.
Improved Search Quality and Content Visibility
- The algorithm aims to better filter and remove fake explicit content from search results.
- Individuals will have a safer online experience with enhanced protection from misleading or harmful images, videos, or audios.
- The update helps businesses and non-profits providing cleaner digital spaces to make sure the brand is not associated with inappropriate content.
Potential Challenges or Limitations
- There will always be a risk of legitimate content being wrongly flagged and removed. This might affect content creators and educators.
- There is no doubt that the new algorithm is accurate, but up to a definite extent. It may not filter all the fake images as the deepfake technology is also getting updated day by day.
- Users and content creators may need to adjust to the changes as the search algorithm undergoes refinement based on real world usage.
The Ripple Effects Of Google Search Algorithm Update
Google’s recent algorithm changes to combat fake explicit images are set to have far-reaching effects beyond just improved search results. This strategic initiative is likely to serve as a catalyst for bigger shifts in the tech industry and digital content regulation. Here’s a closer look:
Influence on Other Tech Companies
- Setting a Standard – Google’s move may encourage other companies to adopt similar steps to promote a safer digital environment.
- Collaborative Efforts – There could be an increase in industry-wide collaborations to develop shared standards and technologies that address digital safety.
Developments in Digital Content Regulation
- Stricter Policies – Government and regulatory bodies might implement stricter policies for content regulations.
- Increased Enforcement – New regulations may require more robust content monitoring tools. This is pushing tech companies to innovate further in content detection tech.
Predictions for Algorithm Changes
- Smarter Algorithms – Future algorithms could become more advanced using Modern-AI to better differentiate between legitimate and harmful content.
- Use Feedback Integration – Companies might start embedding more user feedback to refine the algorithms to make them less prone to errors.
What We Think?
We believe Google search algorithm updates are a step in the right direction for digital safety. Google is targeting fake explicit content not only for enhancing user protection but to set a standard for other tech giants.
However, the effectiveness of these changes hinges on their ability to balance content filtering without over-censoring. The technology is evolving and it’s crucial that it adapts to the feedback and the processes remain transparent.
All in all, this move could lead to significant improvements in the content regulation. Let’s make the internet a safer and welcoming place for everyone.
