Mcdonald's japan uses generative AI in product promotion, drawing public scrutiny

Reports from Japanese media indicate that McDonald's Japan has incorporated generative artificial intelligence into the creation of promotional images for its products. This usage came to light after the company began a limited trial sale of items such as an ice cream cola drink and an ice cream watermelon soda in select locations. Visual inspection of the promotional materials revealed distinct anomalies, such as the ice cubes in the cups appearing a deep green matching the soda, and the surfaces exhibiting a jelly-like sheen, differing significantly from actual photographs. When questioned, McDonald's Japan Corporation confirmed that generative AI was indeed used for the promotional images of the trial items, though it declined to share specific production details. The company remained noncommittal regarding the potential use of AI in future product promotions. This disclosure sparked negative reactions across social media platforms like X, with users expressing concerns that the images looked unnatural, worried about discrepancies between the visuals and the real products, and arguing that the use of AI could potentially harm the brand's image.