Today, Midjourney announced an upgraded web tool launching early next week that allows users to edit any uploaded image with its generative AI. This exciting feature lets anyone transform images and express their creativity in just a few clicks, including changing colors and details based on captions.
Last year, Midjourney committed to using the IPTC’s Digital Source Type standard to mark AI-generated images, but it’s one of the few major platforms not yet adopting C2PA, which tracks an image’s full history. This positions Midjourney as a key player in the ongoing discussion about AI and image editing.
In a post on Midjourney’s official Discord server, CEO David Holz announced that the upgraded image tool will initially be available to a “subset of the current community,” with increased human moderation and “new, more advanced AI moderators” to help prevent abuse.
Holz confessed, “Honestly, we’re not sure how to precisely restrict deployment of this feature.”
Midjourney is also seeking community feedback through a poll to decide which users gain access first. However, there are risks to launching such editing tools without proper protection. They could lead to overall copyright infringement and the increase of misleading deepfakes.
According to data, there’s been a 900% increase in deepfakes this year compared to last, alarming many. Additionally, a YouGov poll shows 85% of Americans are worried about misleading deepfakes online.
While there’s no federal law against deepfakes in the U.S., over 10 states have laws against AI impersonation. California’s delayed law would let judges order the removal of deepfakes and
As Midjourney prepares to launch this upgraded tool, balancing creativity and responsibility is also crucial. Although innovation is exciting, proper safeguards must protect users and uphold digital content integrity. Midjourney’s choices will significantly impact the future of AI and image editing.
