What is Verify?
Verify is a new blockchain-based platform developed by Fox Corporation and Polygon Labs, a layer-2 blockchain focused on scaling Ethereum. The platform aims to verify the authenticity of content and track its use across the web, especially in the context of artificial intelligence (AI).
According to Polygon Labs, Verify is “the core blockchain infrastructure that can transparently prove authenticity” of content by cryptographically signing individual pieces of content on the blockchain. It is powered by a content graph, binding content to its verified publisher.
Why did Fox and Polygon launch Verify?
Fox and Polygon launched Verify as a response to the growing problem of AI-generated media, which can pose challenges for consumers and media publishers alike. AI-generated media refers to any content that is produced or manipulated by AI tools, such as text, images, audio or video.
As AI tools become more advanced and accessible, they can create realistic and convincing media that can be used for various purposes, such as entertainment, education, research or misinformation. However, this also raises questions about the source and credibility of the media, as well as the ethical implications of using AI for creating or altering content.
Verify aims to address these issues by providing a way for consumers to identify the veritable source of content and for media publishers to have more control over their relationships with AI platforms scraping their web. By using Verify, consumers can see if an article or image comes from a trusted source like Fox News or The New York Times. By using Verify, media publishers can ensure that their content is not being used without their permission or consent by AI platforms.
How does Verify work?
Verify works by allowing content publishers who opt into the platform to register their articles, photographs and more with a unique identifier. This identifier is then linked to a cryptographic signature that proves the origin and history of the content on the blockchain. The signature also contains information about the publisher’s identity and reputation.
Consumers can use a third-party app developed by Fox or Polygon to verify uploaded images or articles (via a URL) that match assets registered with Verify. If a match is found, the app will show the publisher information associated with the content in addition to the original headline and URL.
Publishers can also use another tool developed by Fox or Polygon to verify any piece of content that they own or have access to. This tool will show them if their content has been verified by another platform or if it has been used by an AI platform without their knowledge.
What are some examples of Verify?
Some examples of how Verify can be used are:
- A consumer who wants to read an article from Fox News but is unsure about its authenticity can use Verify to see if it comes from Fox News itself.
- A publisher who wants to protect their IP rights but also wants to reach new audiences can use Verify to see if their content has been used by other platforms without their consent.
- An AI developer who wants to test their tool on real-world data but also wants to respect ethical standards can use Verify to see if they are using data from reputable sources.
What are some benefits of Verify?
Some benefits of using Verify are:
- It provides transparency and accountability for both consumers and publishers regarding the origin and quality of content.
- It enhances trust and confidence in online media consumption and production.
- It prevents plagiarism, fraud and manipulation of content by malicious actors.
- It supports innovation and creativity in online media creation while ensuring ethical standards.
What are some challenges of Verify?
Some challenges of using Verify are:
- It requires technical expertise and resources from both developers and users.
- It depends on the availability and reliability of blockchain infrastructure such as Ethereum.
- It faces competition from other existing solutions such as digital watermarks or blockchain-based metadata.
- It may encounter legal or regulatory issues regarding data privacy, intellectual property rights or censorship.
Verify is a new blockchain-based platform developed by Fox Corporation and Polygon Labs that aims to verify the authenticity of content and track its use across the web. The platform uses cryptographic signatures on Ethereum-based smart contracts that link individual pieces of content with their verified publishers. The platform offers various tools for consumers, publishers and AI developers who want to check if an article or image comes from a trusted source or has been used without permission. The platform also provides transparency and accountability for online media consumption and production while preventing plagiarism, fraud and manipulation of content by malicious actors. The platform is a novel and innovative solution that addresses one of the major challenges in today’s digital world: how to distinguish truth from lies in an age where artificial intelligence can create realistic and convincing media.