Instagram Head: It Is Easier to Verify Real Photos Than to Detect AI
Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, recently suggested that the tech industry needs to rethink its approach to handling artificial intelligence on social media. He argues that trying to identify and label every piece of AI-generated content is becoming an increasingly difficult battle.
As AI technology advances, the line between synthetic and authentic media is blurring rapidly. Mosseri believes that detection tools will eventually struggle to keep up with how realistic AI images and videos are becoming.
Instead of solely focusing on spotting fakes, he proposes a system that verifies authentic content. The idea is to “fingerprint” real media at the point of capture rather than engaging in an endless arms race against AI generators.
This process would likely rely on cooperation with hardware manufacturers. Camera companies could implement cryptographic signatures that prove an image was taken by a real device at a specific time.
Mosseri notes that this creates a verifiable chain of custody for the content. By proving what is real, platforms can help users navigate a feed that is increasingly filled with synthetic material.
He also pointed out that the internet is shifting from a place where we assume things are real to one where we default to skepticism. In this environment, verified authenticity could become a scarce and valuable resource for creators.
While major platforms will continue their attempts to label AI, Mosseri warns that these systems will become less effective over time. Shifting the focus to validating reality might be the only practical long-term solution.
Do you think social media apps should focus on proving what is real instead of flagging what is fake, so let us know your opinion in the comments.
