AI BriefingTIME Names Google SynthID One of the Best Inventions of 2026
Key point
SynthID has watermarked over 180 billion images and videos and 240,000 years of audio since its launch.
Details
TIME has named Google SynthID to its annual list of Best Inventions of 2026, recognizing its role in helping users navigate the web with confidence as generative AI makes digital media more realistic.
Watermarking Scale and Scope
SynthID embeds an invisible, durable digital watermark into AI-generated images, audio, video, and text at the moment of creation without altering quality. The technology has already watermarked more than 180 billion images and videos and 240,000 years of audio. Google recently expanded the technology's reach with SynthID Bio, which applies watermarking to synthetic biology.
Verification Tools
To assist users in identifying AI content, verification tools are integrated directly into Google Search, the Gemini app, and Chrome. Additionally, the SynthID Detector allows users to check content from Google and its partners, providing greater transparency and context around online media.
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