The Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA) has unveiled a new symbol called “Content Credential” to tag imagery created with artificial intelligence (AI). The symbol can be added to the metadata of images, videos, and PDFs to inform viewers that AI was involved in their creation. It will also be attached to the file’s edit history, permanently labeling it as AI-generated content. By clicking on the Content Credential, viewers can see information such as the producer of the image, the AI software used, and the date the symbol was issued. The Content Credential aims to address the concern of ill-conceived and poor-quality AI content flooding the internet.
With the release of the Content Credential, the C2PA has also introduced a Verify feature, allowing users to upload an image labeled with a Content Credential and view its entire edit history. However, the effectiveness of the symbol relies on users voluntarily adding it to their content. Despite this limitation and the irony of companies like Adobe and Microsoft rushing their AI developments and now implementing half-hearted safeguards, the Content Credential is seen as a step in the right direction. It is hoped that the symbol will become widespread and serve as a means to inform and educate viewers about AI-generated content, similar to how the Creative Commons tag gained popularity in the early 2000s.
