Microsoft has a new plan to prove what’s real and what’s AI online

MIT Technology Review

by James O'Donnell

February 19, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Microsoft has introduced a groundbreaking plan to combat AI-driven deception online by establishing technical standards to verify content authenticity. Drawing inspiration from methods used to authenticate art, such as tracking provenance and applying digital signatures, Microsoft’s blueprint involves evaluating 60 combinations of existing verification techniques. These include metadata tagging, watermarks readable by machines, and mathematical fingerprints based on content characteristics. The goal is to identify reliable methods that social media platforms and AI companies can use to label manipulated content without making judgments about its truthfulness. The initiative stems from growing concerns over highly realistic AI tools, such as interactive deepfakes and hyperrealistic models, which are being used to spread misinformation. Microsoft’s research highlights the importance of transparency in an era where AI-generated content is becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish from reality. The company’s proposal aligns with upcoming regulations, like California’s AI Transparency Act, but also reflects its ambition to position itself as a leader in trustworthy AI technologies. While the focus is on labeling content origins rather than determining accuracy, this approach could significantly reduce confusion and build trust in online platforms. However, challenges remain, particularly in ensuring these methods are robust against sophisticated manipulations and adopted widely across the industry. Microsoft’s blueprint represents a step toward self-regulation, but its

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Originally published on MIT Technology Review on 2/19/2026