cogloom · Free lesson

Is this photo real? Check its "Content Credentials" in 30 seconds

The big idea: Some photos now carry a hidden "nutrition label" called Content Credentials. It can show which app made or edited the picture, sometimes including an AI tool. A free website lets anyone read that label.

How to check a photo: 1. Save the picture to your phone or computer. The original file works best. 2. Go to verify.contentauthenticity.org. This is the free Content Credentials "Verify" tool. 3. Drag the picture in, or tap Select a file from your device. 4. Read the result. If the photo has Content Credentials, you'll see details such as the tools used to create it and how it has changed over time.

The most important part: "nothing found" does NOT mean "real." The Verify site itself says Content Credentials "are still rolling out, so the content you choose to inspect may not have information to view." Screenshots, re-saving or sharing on social media can strip the label away. Seeing a credential tells you what the credential claims. It is not a guarantee that the picture is true.

So use it as one clue, together with these: - Where did the picture come from? Is the account or website one you trust? - Can you find the same picture or story from a trusted news source? - The FBI suggests looking for "subtle imperfections," such as distorted hands or feet, odd teeth or eyes, and inaccurate shadows.

Do this now: try the Verify site with a photo you took yourself, so you know what "no credential" looks like.

Sources

Content Credentials Verify tool (its own page text): https://verify.contentauthenticity.org/
Content Authenticity Initiative open-source docs, "Using the inspect tool" (the "No Content Credential" message): https://opensource.contentauthenticity.org/docs/getting-started/inspect.md
FBI IC3 PSA I-120324-PSA (spotting imperfections): https://www.ic3.gov/PSA/2024/PSA241203

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