AI Glossary

Content provenance (C2PA)

Also called Content Credentials, provenance metadata

What does “Content provenance (C2PA)” mean?

Content provenance (C2PA): Recording where a piece of media came from and how it was made and edited, including whether AI was used, in signed metadata attached to the file. C2PA, the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity, publishes the open standard, which apps often show to users as "Content Credentials." Metadata can be stripped when files are re-saved or screenshotted, so credentials show provenance when present but cannot prove a file is authentic when absent.

Content provenance (C2PA) visual guide: Recording where a piece of media came from and how it was made and edited, including whether AI was used, in signed metadata attached to the file. C2PA, the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity, publishes the open standard, which apps often show to users as "Content Credentials." Metadata can be stripped when files are re-saved or screenshotted, so credentials show provenance when present but cannot prove a file is authentic when absent.
Visual guide Open full size (new tab)

What is an example of “Content provenance (C2PA)”?

A camera or editing app that supports C2PA can attach a record showing the photo was captured on a device and later retouched.

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See also

WatermarkingTermDeepfakeTermText-to-imageTermAI regulationTerm

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