Content provenance is a verifiable record of where a photo, video or file came from and how it was changed, including whether AI was used.
In plain words
Instead of guessing whether something is real, provenance attaches tamper-evident information to the file itself: who made it, with what device or tool, and what edits followed. The main open standard is Content Credentials from the C2PA, a coalition that brought together an Adobe-led group and a Microsoft and BBC-led project. Some cameras now add credentials when a photo is taken, and editing tools can add a step each time the file changes.
A quick example
A news photographer shoots with a camera that adds Content Credentials. After editing, the published photo still carries its history. A reader can inspect it and see the camera capture and each edit, and would see if an AI tool had been used.
Where you'll meet it
- News photos and professional cameras.
- Labelling AI-generated images from creative tools.
Related
Sources
- DocsC2PA, Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity · read 29 Sept 2026
- DocsHow it works, Content Authenticity Initiative · read 29 Sept 2026
Checked by WhatIsAI against the sources above · 29 Sept 2026. Spotted an error? Report it.