Midjourney is preparing to launch a new web-based AI image editing tool next week, as announced by CEO David Holtz.

This upgraded tool will allow users to edit any image found online, enhancing the capabilities of Midjourney's existing AI image creator.

Holtz shared details about the new editing options on Discord, emphasizing features like zooming, angle adjustments, and a digital brush for precise modifications.

The tool will enable users to retexture and modify existing images while preserving their original shapes, updating colors and details based on user prompts.

Concerns have been raised about the potential for copyright infringement and the spread of misleading deepfakes, especially during the upcoming US election cycle.

The proliferation of deepfakes has surged dramatically, with a reported 900% increase in their creation and publication this year, raising significant public alarm.

A recent YouGov poll revealed that 85% of Americans are concerned about the spread of misleading deepfakes online.

This new web-based tool will allow users to edit images without needing a Discord account, streamlining the user experience.

Initially, access to this powerful editing tool will be limited to a select group within the Midjourney community, with increased human and AI moderation to prevent misuse.

To address potential misuse, Midjourney plans to enhance human moderation and utilize advanced AI moderators for the new editing capabilities.

Midjourney acknowledges the ethical concerns surrounding AI image creation and editing, which have sparked ongoing debates and lawsuits.

The company is also facing a lawsuit for allegedly using copyrighted content to train its AI models, further complicating the landscape of AI-generated content.