Automaitc Removal of Image Watermarks

[Mario]

The Google Research paper 'On the Effectiveness of Visible Watermarks' just showed how easy it is to remove visible watermarks from images.

Full article and paper here: https://watermark-cvpr17.github.io/
Before-after images here: https://watermark-cvpr17.github.io/supplemental/

[BanjoTom]

So -- for those of us who frequently employ image watermarks, for example, by adding them as overlays in the Image Batch Processor -- would it make sense to create variations in watermark placement, color, angle, etc.?  That might seem to foil the sort of "automatic" removal of watermarks that is explained in this post . . .  or would it?

[Mario]

Yes. The Google algorithm makes use of the fact that the watermarks are always placed in the same 'spot' within the image. I think they outline in the conclusion (after all the frightening math) that randomness can prevent the automatic removal. Or use bold, 100% opacity watermarks which actually hide important parts of the image - if you need to make really sure.

A.I. will overcome that too, some day. Making up the missing parts from memory or algorithms.
Or, making up images from thin air which are better than anything a photographer can produce.
This will of course not replace family or typical vacation photos, but I think that many stock photographers who produce standard stock stuff may be affected badly by this...
In typical advertisement (from cars to watches to yogurt packaging) most is 3D rendering already these days.

[Jingo]

Yup... soon actors will not be needed either... all movies will be 100% CGI.... and you won't even know the difference!