Source: Roman Fox
As generative images flood social platforms, authentic photographs have lost the presumption of truth. Creators now defend their work against suspicion rather than accusations of theft. The visual commons is contaminated with synthetic content, placing the burden of proof on legitimate artists. Power has shifted away from creators toward skeptical audiences and platform gatekeepers who can theoretically certify authenticity. For consumer brands relying on user-generated content or influencer photography, this erosion of photographic authority creates commercial risk. Companies are investing in verification infrastructure—blockchain, metadata, watermarks—that wasn't a market necessity two years ago.