The future of "truth" on the Internet
The internet is facing a major problem with fake images, voices, and videos created by AI, making it hard to tell what is real. To fix this, companies like Adobe and Microsoft have started the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA). This group wants to add special digital information to every image, video, and audio file. This information would show where the file came from and if it has been changed, making it easy to see if content is fake or real. This technology is already being used, and there are talks about making it a legal requirement. While this could help protect creators and stop fake news, some worry it could also be used by governments to track people and control information online.
Key Vocabulary
A multinational software company known for its creative and multimedia software products, such as Photoshop and Illustrator.
Examples:
- She used Adobe Premiere Pro to edit her latest video project.
- The graphic designer prefers Adobe InDesign for creating professional layouts.
- Many digital artists rely on Adobe products for their daily work.
A document or record that contains details about a file's origin, changes, and other relevant metadata, which is permanently linked to the file.
Examples:
- The system automatically updates the manifest with each revision to the document.
- Accessing the manifest allowed the user to see the complete history of the image.
- Every digital asset is associated with a unique manifest detailing its provenance.
Short for legitimate; meaning genuine, authentic, or conforming to rules and standards.
Examples:
- He thought the offer was too good to be true, but it turned out to be legit.
- The company's new software update is completely legit and safe to install.
- She confirmed the concert tickets were legit before purchasing them.
To interfere with something in order to cause damage or make unauthorized alterations.
Examples:
- Security measures were put in place to prevent anyone from attempting to tamper with the data.
- The evidence was inadmissible because someone had tried to tamper with it.
- He warned his children not to tamper with the thermostat settings.
Based on a hypothesis or theory; used to describe something that is imagined or proposed as a possibility, rather than a fact.
Examples:
- Hypothetically, if we had unlimited resources, we could build a self-sustaining colony on Mars.
- The architect discussed, hypothetically, how the building would withstand an earthquake.
- Hypothetically, what would happen if the power grid failed for a week?
The condition of being unknown or unnamed.
Examples:
- The survey allowed for complete anonymity, encouraging honest feedback.
- Some online platforms prioritize user anonymity for privacy reasons.
- He enjoyed the anonymity of living in a large city after growing up in a small town.
An acronym for Non-Fungible Token, a unique digital asset that represents ownership of a specific item or piece of content, recorded on a blockchain.
Examples:
- The artist sold his digital artwork as an NFT, fetching a high price.
- Collecting NFTs of digital sports memorabilia has become a popular hobby.
- Each NFT is unique and cannot be replaced by another identical item.
The smallest discrete unit of information that makes up an image on a digital display or in a digital image.
Examples:
- Zooming in too far on the image revealed individual pixels.
- She adjusted every pixel to perfect the photo's composition.
- The high-resolution screen displays millions of tiny pixels.
A trace or impression left behind, often used to refer to a digital trail or record of activity.
Examples:
- Every interaction online leaves a digital footprint.
- The company aims to reduce its carbon footprint by using renewable energy.
- Investigators followed the suspect's financial footprint to uncover the fraud.
The art and science of secure communication techniques that protect information from unauthorized access, often involving encryption and digital signatures.
Examples:
- Modern cryptography is essential for securing online transactions.
- The message was protected using advanced cryptography, making it unreadable to outsiders.
- Students learned the principles of cryptography in their cybersecurity course.
Faint, translucent patterns or designs embedded in digital images or documents, often used to indicate ownership, authenticity, or to deter unauthorized use.
Examples:
- The stock photos were protected with visible watermarks to prevent free usage.
- She added her company's logo as a watermark to all her portfolio images.
- Digital watermarks can be used to track the origin of leaked documents.
Not connected with or pertinent to something; having no bearing on the matter at hand.
Examples:
- The witness's testimony was deemed irrelevant to the case.
- His past achievements became irrelevant once he started a new career path.
- Focus on the main points; the minor details are irrelevant.
A company known for developing video games and for its digital distribution platform, Steam.
Examples:
- Many popular games are available for purchase and download through Valve's Steam platform.
- Valve has released several critically acclaimed video games over the years.
- The update to the gaming client was released by Valve last night.
In a digital manner; relating to or involving the use of computer technology.
Examples:
- The artist created the entire painting digitally using a tablet.
- All the company's records are now stored digitally for easier access.
- She signed the contract digitally, speeding up the approval process.
Short for specification; a detailed description of the design, materials, and other requirements for a product or system.
Examples:
- The new computer meets all the required specs for high-performance gaming.
- Engineers are working to finalize the technical spec for the new device.
- The software development team followed the spec precisely to ensure compatibility.
The quality of being genuine or real; the state of being true to oneself or to established facts.
Examples:
- The art expert verified the authenticity of the ancient artifact.
- Customers value the authenticity of reviews when making purchasing decisions.
- The museum went to great lengths to ensure the authenticity of its exhibits.
Having a benevolent or helpful disposition; not hostile or harmful.
Examples:
- The new software has a very user-friendly interface.
- The neighborhood is known for its friendly atmosphere and welcoming residents.
- The company aims to be environmentally friendly in its manufacturing processes.
To ensure observance of laws, rules, or agreements; to compel compliance with.
Examples:
- The police are responsible for enforcing traffic laws.
- The school decided to strictly enforce its new attendance policy.
- It can be challenging to enforce international agreements without a global authority.
A set of rules or principles that provide advice or instruction on how to do something.
Examples:
- The company issued new safety guidelines for all employees.
- Students must follow the strict guidelines for submitting their research papers.
- The chef provided clear guidelines for preparing the complex dish.
To look at something closely, typically to assess its condition or to check for compliance with standards or regulations.
Examples:
- The mechanic will inspect the car for any potential problems before the long trip.
- Before purchasing, it's wise to inspect the product for any defects.
- Customs officials have the right to inspect all incoming packages.