AI Content Credentialing: Should Artists Love it or Hate it?

If you haven't heard yet, LinkedIn is partnering with the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA) to incorporate content credentialing on the social media platform. In an era where deepfakes and AI-generated images have people nervous about being “fooled,” this is a tool designed to build trust by offering transparency in a world where the origins of images are increasingly obscured.

What Content Credentialing Is—and Isn’t

Content credentialing is not about labeling images as "fake" or "real." It’s about providing a digital signature, a record of an image’s origins and the tools used in its creation.

This allows viewers to see the source of the image when AI plays a role in its development. It’s a way to maintain the integrity of digital art without casting suspicion or doubt on the creativity and innovation behind it.

Transparency has always been a cornerstone of trust. Most artists don’t shy away from revealing their medium because the medium itself is part of their expression. Whether it’s a brushstroke on a canvas or a digital effect in an image, the tools used are integral to the final piece. Content credentialing simply makes this transparency visible, allowing creators to showcase their work with pride and honesty.

Why Trust in Imagery Matters

The rise of AI-generated imagery challenges a fundamental aspect of digital art: trust. When we engage with an image, we perceive the creator’s vision, intention, and skill. This is what allows us to connect with the work on a deeper level, to experience the emotions or messages it conveys. Without trust, the impact of digital art diminishes.

The real issue isn’t the use of AI, it’s hidden processes. “Fake” images, those that obscure their origins, create doubt, forcing viewers to question the authenticity of every image they encounter.

It’s not the fantastical or obviously manipulated images that upset people—it’s the ones that deceive without clarity. No one wants to feel duped; it’s exhausting to second-guess every image you see.

Coexisting with AI

The fight against AI in digital art is not one we should be waging. Instead of viewing AI as a threat, we should find ways to coexist, to harness its potential while preserving the integrity that underpins the art world. AI is a powerful tool that can propel digital creators to new heights, just as digital cameras and Photoshop did in the past. Again, the issue isn’t the tech itself but the loss of transparency that comes with its unchecked use.

Signatures embedded in images, thanks to content credentialing, are a step in the right direction. These signatures offer a way to verify the origin of an image, providing a safeguard for those who seek authenticity. However, while this is a positive move, it’s not a silver bullet. As AI continues to evolve, so too must the tools used to maintain transparency.

Digital artists can look at AI content credentialing as a way of ensuring ownership as well as a welcome testament to their craft. In the end, it’s this openness that will keep the world of digital art vibrant and thriving.

AI disclosure: This article was conceived by a human mind. I trained AI on my writing style and provided an outline and an op-ed piece to generate an initial draft. The final version was carefully reviewed and edited by me, ensuring that the ideas and voice remain authentically mine.