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Text Watermarking in the Age of Large Language Models

Text Watermarking in the Age of Large Language Models

In today’s digital age, protecting intellectual property is more crucial than ever. With the advent of large language models (LLMs), text watermarking has become a vital tool for safeguarding against plagiarism and unauthorized use. This article provides a comprehensive overview of text watermarking techniques, including word-level attacks and rewrite attacks, and discusses their advantages and limitations.

Word-Level Attacks

Word-level attacks involve modifying the target text at the word level to embed a watermark. These attacks can be either insertion-based or deletion-based. Insertion-based attacks add extra words to the text, while deletion-based attacks remove them. The main challenge with word-level attacks is that they can significantly impact the text’s readability and semantics.

Rewrite Attacks

Rewrite attacks are more comprehensive than word-level attacks as they modify the entire text. These attacks involve rewriting the text to include a watermark, which can be done using various techniques such as translation or paraphrasing. While rewrite attacks are more robust than word-level attacks, they can also lead to significant changes in the text’s meaning and readability.

Advantages and Limitations

The advantages of text watermarking include its ability to provide robust protection against plagiarism and unauthorized use, as well as its versatility in terms of the types of attacks that can be implemented. However, there are also limitations to consider, such as the potential impact on readability and semantics, as well as the difficulty in detecting and removing watermarks.

Conclusion

In conclusion, text watermarking is a valuable tool for protecting intellectual property in the era of large language models. While word-level attacks and rewrite attacks offer different advantages and limitations, both approaches have their place in safeguarding against plagiarism and unauthorized use. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of these techniques, individuals can make informed decisions about which approach to use depending on their specific needs and goals.