Google will now allow users to remove visible watermark from its AI generations

August 14, 2026 | Source: TechCrunch AI

Tags: Google, Gemini, SynthID, C2PA, Credentio, AI watermarks, open source

Google makes visible AI watermarks optional in Gemini and Flow while keeping invisible SynthID and C2PA metadata — and is open-sourcing Credentio, a new library letting developers embed local watermark verification into their own apps.

Details

TechCrunch's coverage of Google's watermark policy update adds a detail not in The Verge's version: Google is open-sourcing a library called 'Credentio' that lets developers embed a local validation mechanism in their apps to verify SynthID and C2PA markers on AI-generated content. The core update allows users to disable the visible sparkle watermark in Gemini (covering Nano Banana, Omni, and Lyria models) and the video editor Flow, with Search support coming. The setting will not be available in countries with mandatory visible watermark requirements. Invisible SynthID and C2PA signals remain in the file regardless. The report contextualizes the move against Anthropic's decision to watermark Claude-generated text and files this week, described as 'hotly debated.' Google VP Josh Woodward framed the change as 'striking a balance between creative control and safety' — while noting users can still verify AI origin via Gemini or Search query.