Residents of two of the most populous states in the US, Texas and Illinois, are unable to access a new AI editing tool in Google Photos. That's unusual, especially as Google is pushing AI across its product lines.
The feature, called Conversational Editing, allows you to edit images by typing commands or using your voice, without requiring more advanced software. It opens the doors to people who want to edit their photos, from making small tweaks to full makeovers, without having to dig into settings or use more advanced tools.
Conversational Editing in Google Photos debuted on the Pixel 10 series of phones. In September, Google rolled out Conversational Editing in its Photos app to all eligible Android users, and more recently, iOS users, in the US.
But it wasn't clear who was "eligible" to use the feature. In a help center page, Google said it wasn't "available in all regions at this time." It didn't specify the regions, nor did it say why.
As it turns out, the restriction applies to both Texas and Illinois based on the laws in those two states.
The ability to edit photos with your voice or through chat isn't the issue -- the problem is biometrics, specifically, what's known as facial geometry. One requirement for Conversational Editing is that another feature called Face Groups must be enabled. That's likely the legal sticking point.
"The common thread in both laws is that they restrict how biometric identifiers such as face geometry or voiceprints can be stored, transmitted or retained," said Frank Fagen, a professor at the South Texas College of Law.
The Houston Chronicle was first to report that the feature wasn't available, noting that both states had sued the tech giant for data and biometrics collection.
Google didn't respond to requests for comment.
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