Google Ads Get AI Disclosure Labels

Google is adding a new transparency feature to its ad platforms that tells you if an ad was made with AI. This is a big deal because AI can make ads look super realistic—like a product photo that was actually generated in a computer. Until now, only election ads had to disclose AI use. Now, you’ll see a “How this ad was made” option in the My Ad Center panel on Search, YouTube, and Google Discover. If an ad is created with Google’s own AI tools, the label shows up automatically. For other ads, advertisers have to check a box themselves—Google won’t fact-check. This puts the responsibility on companies to be honest. Why it matters: As AI-generated content becomes indistinguishable from reality, consumer trust hinges on voluntary disclosures, but without verification, this feels more like a step toward transparency than a guarantee of it.