Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal has announced the removal of AI-generated food images from the platform, following a wave of customer complaints. These images, designed to enhance dish presentation, have caused a “breach of trust” between customers and restaurants. Misleading visuals have led to increased refund requests and lower ratings, impacting the credibility of restaurant listings. In a statement on X.com (formerly Twitter), Deepinder Goyal emphasised Zomato’s stance against using AI-generated images in menus.
New Policy and Future Actions
To address these concerns, Zomato will begin removing AI-generated images by the end of the month. Deepinder Goyal has urged restaurant partners to stop using these images and invest in authentic food photography. Zomato will support this transition by offering free photography services to restaurant owners, aiming to improve the quality of dish presentations.
PicNic AI and Zomato’s Revenue Growth
Previously, Zomato introduced PicNic AI (Picture Nicely AI) to enhance food image quality. However, this tool will now be phased out in favour of real photography. Despite this policy shift, Zomato has reported impressive financial results, with a 74% increase in revenue to Rs. 4,206 crore for Q1 FY25 and a notable 126% growth in net profit to Rs. 253 crore.
