Adobe, the multinational software company known for its creative cloud suite, is at the center of a debate over the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the potential dissemination of disinformation. The controversy started when the media outlet Crikey reported about an AI-generated stock image of a Gaza explosion that was used by various small blogs and websites without being labeled as such.
In response to this, Adobe spokesperson released a statement declaring their commitment to transparency. Adobe Stock, a service that offers access to millions of curated and royalty-free multimedia assets, requires generative AI content to be appropriately labeled when submitted for licensing. According to an Adobe spokesperson, the specific images in question were indeed marked as such before being submitted and licensed, thus complying with the marketplace’s requirements.
The Content Authenticity Initiative, a collaborative effort with publishers, camera manufacturers, and other stakeholders, aims to advance the adoption of Content Credentials. These credentials allow people to gain essential context about how digital content was captured, created, or edited, including indications if AI tools were involved in the content’s creation or editing.
While Adobe Stock has had partnerships related to news images in the past, it no longer offers editorial assets as part of its stock offerings. However, it emphasizes the storytelling possibilities of its stock imagery, both traditional and AI-generated.
This isn’t the first time Adobe Stock has faced scrutiny related to generative AI. Contributors to Adobe Stock raised concerns about Firefly, the company’s commercially safe gen AI tool, and its impact on their stock images. However, Adobe reassures that it respects the rights of third parties and requires all stock contributors to adhere to terms, including those specific to the use of generative AI tools.
The controversy over the AI-generated image serves as a reminder of the ethical considerations and potential consequences associated with the use of AI in creating and disseminating content. Adobe’s response reflects its efforts to uphold transparency and integrity in the era of AI-generated media.
