Expanding AI transparency in ads
Google Blog 2026-07-09 16:00:00
Context: Google is introducing new transparency features to help users identify ads created or edited with artificial intelligence. The updates aim to provide users with more information about the ads they see, while also giving advertisers straightforward tools to navigate evolving industry standards. These changes are being implemented globally across Google's advertising products, including Search, YouTube, and Discover.
Key Facts
- Google is adding a "How this ad was made" panel to the My Ad Center menu on Search, YouTube, and Discover, which will indicate if an ad was created or edited with AI.
- Advertisers are now required to use provided tools to label AI-generated content, ensuring users stay informed about the ads they see.
- Google will automatically label ads made with its own AI tools, while advertisers can manually label ads they created using other AI tools.
- The "How this ad was made" panel will be accessible globally by selecting the three-dot menu or info icon on ads across Search, YouTube, and Discover.
- Google's updates build on its ongoing AI transparency work, including the introduction of SynthID, an imperceptible signal embedded into outputs from its generative AI tools, and a 2023 requirement to disclose synthetic or digitally altered content in election ads.