Generative AI content labeling FAQ

Last updated on 25 Aug 2026

Get answers to frequently asked questions about how new generative AI transparency laws affect content labeling in Adobe apps.

New and emerging generative AI transparency laws, including the California AI Transparency Act and the EU AI Act, establish a range of transparency obligations for providers of generative AI tools, including requirements to attach durable, machine-readable metadata to qualifying content created or modified with generative AI.

Metadata is information that travels with a file but isn't visible in the content itself. Most digital files already contain metadata. The new laws require metadata to also include information about the use of generative AI.

When qualifying generative AI tools are used to create or modify content in Adobe apps, C2PA metadata will be automatically attached to the file. C2PA metadata is a widely adopted, open industry standard for sharing information about content's origin and editing history. It is embedded in the file and does not change the appearance of the content. 

To view the C2PA metadata attached to the content, you can upload or drag and drop it into Adobe’s Inspect tool.

C2PA metadata is automatically attached to content when qualifying generative AI tools are used to create or modify content in Adobe apps.

No. This applies only to generative AI tools, not traditional AI-powered features. 

No. C2PA metadata is automatically attached to content in the background when required. 

Automatically attached C2PA metadata may include details about:

  • Application used
  • Generative AI model used
  • Whether the content was wholly generated with generative AI or modified using generative AI
  • Date and time of generative AI use
  • Unique content identifier

No. Under the new laws, this metadata cannot be disabled for qualifying content.

No. Automatically attached C2PA metadata has minimal impact on file size and no noticeable impact on app performance.

When content appears on third-party platforms, such as social media sites, search engines, and content platforms, those platforms determine whether and how to display metadata information to their users. As a result, labels may appear differently from one platform to another.

For more information about a specific platform's approach to labeling content, or to get support for content showing an unexpected label, visit that platform's support resources.