115: Controversies at OpenAI & Protecting Your Images from AI

Summary

In this episode, Meredith and her husband discuss the evolving role of AI in SEO and its impact on content creators, including photographers. The episode highlights the challenges AI poses to affiliate websites, the dissolution of safety teams at OpenAI, and tools like Glaze that help artists protect their work from AI scraping. Website owners can learn how to safeguard their content, optimize their use of AI, and adapt to future changes in the digital landscape.

How AI is Reshaping SEO and What Website Owners Need to Know

AI is rapidly changing the landscape of SEO, content creation, and online business. Whether you run a blog, a small business website, or a photography portfolio, understanding AI’s growing influence is crucial. From improving search accuracy to disrupting traditional affiliate websites, AI’s impact can no longer be ignored. In this post, we’ll discuss how AI is reshaping SEO, its challenges, and actionable steps to safeguard your online content.

The Evolving Role of AI in SEO

One of the most significant changes AI is bringing to SEO is the shift in how search engines deliver results. Traditionally, when you searched for products like “best air purifiers,” you’d be met with numerous affiliate blogs and product recommendation websites. These blogs often recommended products based on which offered the highest commissions, not necessarily the best value. However, AI is disrupting this system by providing more reliable and direct search results, cutting out these affiliate intermediaries.

In this new AI-driven environment:

• AI aggregates product information, potentially reducing traffic to affiliate sites.

• Users can ask follow-up questions directly to AI, eliminating the need to sift through blog content.

• Google has acknowledged this change and its potential impact on content creators, especially those relying on affiliate marketing.

While this change is good news for users seeking transparency, it poses a challenge for businesses relying on affiliate revenue.

Safeguarding Your Content Against AI Scraping

AI models like ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini learn by sourcing content from the web, which may include your website. For content creators—especially photographers and artists—this raises concerns about the unauthorized use of images and material for AI training. Fortunately, there are tools and strategies you can use to protect your work.

Meredith's husband mentions the tool Glaze, which allows artists to make pixel-level changes to their images, rendering them confusing to AI while keeping them visually the same to human viewers. Additionally, photographers and artists can:

• Use tools like Glaze to protect their visual work.

• Submit requests to companies like OpenAI to exclude their material from training datasets.

• Take legal precautions by revising contracts to address AI-related concerns.

As the technology advances, keeping up with protective measures will be vital.

Leveraging AI for SEO Success

Despite the challenges AI poses, it also presents unique opportunities for website owners to optimize their SEO efforts. Using AI-powered tools can help automate processes, improve content, and boost productivity. Here are a few ways AI can be used to your advantage:

• Content creation: Use AI tools to draft blog posts, product descriptions, or even generate social media content faster.

• Keyword research: AI tools like Google’s Gemini will improve search engine accuracy, helping you target relevant keywords and improve rankings.

• User experience: AI can help you understand user behavior on your website, offering insights into improving navigation, page performance, and engagement.

As AI becomes more integrated into SEO practices, learning how to effectively incorporate it into your strategy can provide a competitive edge.

Resources

Meredith’s husband referenced a tool called Glaze, which can help protect visual content from AI scraping. He also mentioned a link to OpenAI’s form for requesting that your material not be used for AI training. These resources can be found in the "Resources" section below the episode.