A new AI feature within Google Photos is notably missing for Texas and Illinois residents, two of the most populated states in the US. This is particularly odd, given the feature has seen a significant rollout across the country since its debut.
The feature allows anyone to edit a photo with their voice or by typing commands -- all without additional software or even the knowledge of what edits need to be made to achieve the desired effect. The feature makes photo editing more accessible and approachable to people who are less inclined to dig into individual photo editing settings.
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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