OpenAI begins invisibly watermarking ChatGPT texts
OpenAI has started introducing an invisible watermark to text generated by ChatGPT in the EU. The technology aims to facilitate the detection of AI-generated text, though researchers warn of a false sense of security.
What happened?
OpenAI has announced that it has begun introducing an invisible watermark into text generated or processed by ChatGPT. The system works by integrating invisible patterns into the text structure, allowing for subsequent identification of whether the text was created by AI. The rollout is taking place incrementally across EU countries over the coming weeks.
Key facts
| Tjänst | ChatGPT |
|---|---|
| Målgrupp för testverktyg | Forskare |
| Region för utrullning | EU-länderna |
”Det kan också slå väldigt fel”
Why it matters
The watermarking is being introduced to combat cheating, disinformation, and misleading AI-generated content. However, AI researcher Peter Funk warns that the technology may offer a false sense of security, as it is not 100 percent reliable, which could lead to genuine material being incorrectly flagged or AI-generated text going undetected.
Who is affected?
The change affects all ChatGPT users in the EU, including schools, universities, and workplaces where AI-generated texts are used. Initially, however, only researchers are being given the opportunity to apply for access to the detection tool to analyse texts.
Impact on the EU
The marking is being rolled out in stages across all EU countries over the coming weeks. Initially, only approved researchers will have access to the tool to identify the watermarks, a move that aligns with the EU’s increased requirements for transparency regarding AI-generated content under the AI Act.
What else you should know
The technology is based on subtle patterns in word choice that are invisible to the human eye. Researchers warn, however, that text which is heavily edited manually or translated between languages may lose its watermark, thereby reducing the tool's reliability.
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