Center for Assurance Research and Engineering

Content Provenance in the Age of AI (STEP)

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FACTS

INFORMATION

DATA

VALIDITY

Content Provenance refers to the facts about the history of a piece of digital content assets (image, video, audio recording, document).

Technical specifications were released in 2022 by the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA Content Credentials).

Data provenance refers to a documented trail that accounts for the origin of a piece of data and where it has moved from to where it is presently. The purpose of data provenance is to tell developers the origin, changes to, and details supporting the confidence or validity of data. The concept of provenance guarantees that data creators are transparent about their work -- where it came from and the chain of information where data can be tracked as data is used and adapted for their own purposes.

In the context of technology, particularly in areas like data and supply chains, provenance refers to the tracking and verification of the origin and journey of data, goods, or materials. Standards are critical for ensuring transparency and accountability. However, maintaining accurate provenance can raise concerns about privacy and consent, particularly when personal or sensitive data is involved. For example, how do we balance the need to trace data usage or supply chain practices without infringing on individuals' rights or exposing confidential information? Additionally, there are ethical considerations regarding the accuracy and integrity of provenance records—misleading or incomplete records can perpetuate fraud or misrepresentation. From a policy standpoint, there is a need for clear standards around how provenance data is collected, shared, and verified, especially in global supply chains or when dealing with cross-border data. As provenance tracking becomes more common, policies must ensure that systems are robust, transparent, and respect privacy rights while also preventing misuse, such as counterfeiting or unethical sourcing. The goal is to create frameworks that encourage trust and accountability while addressing potential risks and gaps.