C2PA & Content Credentials
The new industry standard for cryptographically proving an image's origin.
Think of this as a "Digital Passport." C2PA is a new secure standard that cryptographically signs a file to prove where it came from.
How it Works
If a camera (like a Leica M11) takes a photo, it "signs" it. If Photoshop edits it, it adds a "User Edited" signature. If DALL-E makes it, it adds a "Generated by AI" signature.
The Future
If the chain is broken, you know the file is sus. This is the future of online truth, backed by Adobe and Microsoft. If you see the "CR" pin on an image, you can click it to see the full history. No guessing required.
Common Manifestations
The 'Cr' Pin: On websites supporting it, hovering over an image reveals a small 'Cr' icon that opens a popup showing the full edit history.
How to Spot It
- 1Look for the "Cr" (Content Credentials) pin on images.
- 2Use verify.contentauthenticity.org to check signed files.
- 3Understand that this system relies on adoption—not all cameras or tools support it yet.