User concerns about the generative AI photo editing feature on Samsung's Galaxy S24 have been addressed by senior Samsung staff.

Speaking to TechRadar, Patrick Chomet, Samsung's head of customer experience, explained why the Galaxy S24's generative editing feature is a natural extension of what the smartphone was already capable of.

As background, generative editing makes it easy for Galaxy users to edit images by allowing them to seamlessly change, delete, or add elements to images and videos. This seamless editing process has made some people nervous due to how easy it is to create authentic and fake images.

"There is no such thing as a real image; if you use AI to optimize zoom, autofocus, and scene, is it real? Or is it all filters? There is no such thing as a real photograph," Chomet counters

. An important point to note is that when a photo is edited using AI, the metadata of the photo is altered and a specific watermark is placed to allow identification of this type of image. However, not all users will be able to easily spot AI edits.

"One intention is to capture the moment, i.e., to make the photo as accurate and complete as possible. To achieve this, we use a lot of AI filtering, correction, and optimization to eliminate shadows, reflections, etc. But we are true to the intent of the user, which is to capture the moment."

The legal realm surrounding AI is somewhat confusing at a time when lawmakers are coming to terms with the new technology and what it can do; the EU recently agreed to a final version of the European Union Artificial Intelligence Act, but it has yet to be passed.

The requirements of the law vary depending on the level of risk posed by a particular AI system. For example, some AI systems need to present the source of their generative models, while others only need to inform the user that the subject is AI-generated.

Samsung seems to agree with this approach. Chomet also said in an interview with TR that his company is "very much in line with European regulations on AI." He noted that countries are right to express early concerns about the potential impact of the widespread use of AI, and mentioned that Samsung is dedicated to thinking deeply about the regulation of AI in a responsible way

AI is part of our lives, and along with the legal implications, it is capabilities are beginning to be seen. It is encouraging that Samsung recognizes this and is working with governments and lawmakers to protect the public from the threats that software may create.