OpenAI Backs EU AI Transparency Code

OpenAI is publicly backing Europe’s push for a transparent AI ecosystem, announcing its support for the European Commission’s Code of Practice on Transparency of AI-Generated Content. This initiative serves as a key step in implementing the EU AI Act, aiming to provide users with context about AI-generated material.

The company's endorsement builds on years of work in AI provenance, a concept crucial for understanding content origins. OpenAI began integrating C2PA metadata into its DALL-E 3 image generator in 2024, a foundational step in tracing AI-created assets.

This support follows OpenAI's earlier commitment as the first U.S. company to sign the EU’s General-Purpose AI Code of Practice in 2025. The company views clear regulations as essential for responsible AI development and industry certainty.

Why Provenance Matters

As AI tools become more integrated into content creation, understanding content provenance, its source, creation method, and authenticity, is paramount. Provenance signals can combat disinformation and bolster election integrity.

OpenAI advocates for robust, ecosystem-wide provenance methods, collaborating with organizations like the C2PA. However, metadata alone is insufficient, as it can be stripped or degraded.

OpenAI's Multi-Layered Provenance Approach

To enhance transparency, OpenAI employs a strategy combining multiple signals and safeguards. This includes C2PA Content Credentials for images generated by DALL·E 3 and the OpenAI API. Images from ChatGPT and Codex also feature SynthID watermarks alongside metadata.

The company offers a public verification tool at openai.com/verify for supported OpenAI-generated images. OpenAI also contributes to open standards, joining the C2PA Steering Committee in 2024.

These technical measures complement policy enforcement, classifiers, and reporting channels designed to mitigate deceptive AI use. Effective AI governance hinges on this comprehensive approach.

While provenance is a developing field, OpenAI commits to strengthening content transparency, contributing to interoperable standards, and improving verification tools. The company aims to collaborate with the AI Office and the broader AI community to foster a safer digital environment.