Google launches SynthID Detector globally to check for AI-generated media

SynthID Detector rests on a hidden label, rather than a promise to recognise every AI-made image by its appearance. The Next Web reported that Google's AI tools add the SynthID watermark to their output, and the website checks whether that signal is present.

According to Ars Technica Tech, every piece of AI content from Google's Gemini models carries a hidden SynthID label. The new website makes checking for that label available to a wider public.

On October 7, 2026, Google announced a standalone platform for identifying content created using Google AI or tools from industry partners, according to its announcement on The Keyword.

Coverage published that day described a public service covering several media formats. TechCrunch reported that anyone could check an image, video or audio clip. The Next Web described the website as free and open to everyone.

The rollout also expanded the companies involved. DEV Community reported partnerships with OpenAI, NVIDIA and Kakao, with Apple identified as a forthcoming participant.

There is a difference in how the coverage describes Apple's availability. Engadget said the detector would flag content from Apple alongside other companies, while 9to5Google explicitly described support for Apple's models as coming "soon". The coverage does not establish that Apple support is already live.

SynthID Detector is now available globally. Digital Trends reported that anyone can use it to check images, videos and audio for AI-generated content carrying its watermark.

That last qualification matters. This is a watermark check, not a universal test of whether media is authentic. The Next Web describes detection of the hidden SynthID signal, while tech cautions that the tool does not see everything. A check that finds no watermark should not be treated as proof that a file was made without AI.

Apple participation is the clearest pending development. 9to5Google says support is coming soon, and DEV Community calls Apple a forthcoming participant. Neither provided summary gives a launch date.

The other open question is the breadth of partner support available now. Google's announcement on The Keyword describes identification across its own tools and industry partners, but the supplied coverage does not specify which models or outputs from each partner the website currently recognises.