How to Detect AI-Generated Images Using C2PA Metadata

The Challenge of AI Detection

AI-generated images have reached a level of quality where visual inspection alone is no longer reliable. However, C2PA metadata provides a robust, standards-based approach to identifying AI-created content.

Key C2PA Indicators of AI Content

1. digitalSourceType

The most reliable indicator. C2PA defines specific source types:

• trainedAlgorithmicMedia — Fully AI-generated content (DALL-E, Firefly)
• compositeSynthetic — Combines real and AI elements
• algorithmicMedia — Generated by non-AI algorithms
• dataDrivenMedia — Created from data visualization

2. Claim Generator Analysis

The claim generator field reveals which tool created the image:

• OpenAI DALL-E — OpenAI's image generator
• Adobe Firefly — Adobe's AI model
• Google Gemini — Google's multimodal AI
• Microsoft Designer — Microsoft's AI design tool

3. Assertion Labels

Look for assertions containing:

• c2pa.actions — Check for "created" actions with AI tool references
• stds.schema-org.CreativeWork — May contain AI-related metadata

Step-by-Step Detection Guide

1. Upload the image to C2PA Checker
2. Check the verdict badge — "AI Generated" indicates AI creation
3. Review digitalSourceType for specific classification
4. Examine the Claim Generator to identify the AI tool
5. Verify the digital signature to ensure data hasn't been tampered with

Limitations

C2PA detection only works when AI tools embed the metadata. Some services (like Midjourney) don't include C2PA data. For images without C2PA, visual forensic analysis or specialized AI detectors may be needed.