Microsoft launches online game to train AI-generated image detection

Microsoft has launched a new website called “Real or Not Quiz” to help users sharpen their skills in detecting AI-generated images. This initiative is part of Microsoft’s broader effort to address the growing challenges in identifying AI-generated content as technology advances.

Microsoft President Brad Smith announced the site’s launch on the X platform (formerly known as Twitter) on Monday, August 5th. Smith encouraged the public to try the quiz, designed to enhance awareness and improve users’ ability to differentiate between Real and AI-generated images.

This move by Microsoft aligns with Smith’s ongoing advocacy for more robust tools and legal frameworks to protect the public from digital fraud. He has been particularly vocal about the need for comprehensive legislation to combat the rise of deepfake fraud. This concern has become increasingly pressing as AI technology becomes more sophisticated and harder to detect.

The “Real or Not Quiz” offers a practical and engaging way for users to educate themselves on this issue, reflecting Microsoft’s commitment to equipping the public with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the challenges of the digital age.

Real or Not Quiz

The “Real or Not Quiz” operates as a straightforward game where users are tasked with determining whether a given image is real or AI-generated. Each quiz round features 15 images, a mix of real and artificially generated ones.

Users are presented with their final score at the end of the round, reflecting the number of correct identifications.

While the quiz provides a practical way for users to test their ability to distinguish between real and AI-generated images, it doesn’t offer detailed explanations or tips on what specific elements to look for when making these determinations.

Instead, it serves as a sampling tool, exposing users to content that may exhibit artificial characteristics, which can help raise awareness of the subtle differences between real and AI-generated visuals.

The quiz can be accessed at realornotquiz.com.

AI-generated images

As image generation tools like Microsoft’s Image Creator and OpenAI’s DALL-E 3 become increasingly advanced, the challenge of identifying AI-generated content grows significantly. These tools can produce highly realistic images often indistinguishable from genuine photos, making it difficult for even trained eyes to spot the differences.

In response to these challenges, some companies are developing solutions to tag AI-generated content, providing digital markers that can help users and systems identify such materials. These tags could play a crucial role in distinguishing Real from artificial, especially as AI-generated content proliferates online.

Microsoft’s “Real or Not Quiz” offers an alternative approach, providing users a platform to test their ability to recognize AI-generated images. This hands-on experience allows users to become more familiar with the subtle intricacies of AI detection, enhancing their skills in a fun and interactive way.