Google lets users remove visible watermarks from AI-generated media while keeping invisible provenance markers

First recorded August 14, 2026 · Latest coverage August 14, 2026 · 3 sources

Google has added a setting in Gemini and its AI video tool Flow that lets users turn off a visible watermark on AI-generated images, videos, and music. Reports indicate the change removes Google’s visible "sparkle" label while leaving invisible provenance markers in place for detection and identification purposes.

Why it matters: The update changes how openly AI-generated media is labeled in consumer-facing products without abandoning machine-readable provenance signals. That has implications for disclosure norms, trust and moderation practices, and the practical usefulness of watermarking as synthetic media becomes more widely distributed.

Sources

• Google will now allow users to remove visible watermarks from AI content Engadget · August 14, 2026
• You can now turn off Google Gemini’s visible watermarks The Verge · August 14, 2026
• Google will now allow users to remove visible watermark from its AI generations TechCrunch · August 14, 2026