In a significant development for image rights owners, the IPTC Photo Metadata Standard 2023.1 has introduced a solution to the growing concern of generative AI using copyrighted assets without permission. Many rights holders found their images being utilised as training data for AI image creators, prompting the need for a standardised way to express that such use is prohibited. The updated standard, approved by IPTC members on October 4th, 2023, includes a new field named “Data Mining” and a standardised list of values, derived from the PLUS Coalition, to indicate whether data mining is allowed or prohibited for AI and Machine Learning purposes, specifically for generative AI/ML training.
A key feature of this update is the embedded nature of the metadata fields within image files, ensuring that the information is retained even if the image is moved or syndicated across platforms. This integration into the file itself guarantees that the data travels with the image, preventing unauthorised use regardless of where the image is deployed.
Developed in collaboration with the PLUS Coalition, the new properties have undergone a rigorous review process and are now finalised. The “Data Mining” field offers specific values such as “Allowed,” “Prohibited for AI/ML training,” and “Prohibited for Generative AI/ML training,” among others. Additionally, there is a provision for specifying “Other Constraints,” a human-readable form to delineate additional conditions, such as allowing generative AI training solely for academic purposes.
However, it’s crucial to note that regional laws pertaining to assets may supersede these specifications, either prohibiting or allowing data mining for specific purposes. The absence of a prohibition in the metadata does not automatically grant permission for data mining or any other use of the asset.
To ensure widespread implementation, the IPTC encourages all photo metadata software vendors to swiftly incorporate these new properties into their tools. Notably, ExifTool, a command-line tool for metadata manipulation, has already incorporated support for these properties in its version 12.67 release, available for download on exiftool.org.
For detailed information and access to the new version of the specification, interested parties can visit https://www.iptc.org/std/photometadata/specification/IPTC-PhotoMetadata. The IPTC Get Photo Metadata tool and IPTC Photo Metadata Reference images have been updated to align with these new standards.
This pivotal update represents a collaborative effort between IPTC and PLUS Coalition, made possible by the input and engagement of various member organisations.
For further inquiries, interested individuals can reach out to IPTC via the Contact Us form on their website.
* Image credit to Brendan Quinn using Bing Image Creator
* Full article can be found here.
