Google Will Let Users Remove AI Content Labels, Relying on Hidden Tracking That Most Apps Can't Read

On August 14, 2026, Google said users can remove the visible sparkle marking AI-generated images and video, leaving hidden tracking data intact. The option is blocked in the EU and South Korea, where visible labels are required by law. Most social platforms and messaging apps cannot read the hidden data. Reuters found cropping an image can erase it, per July 2026 testing.