C2PA AI Metadata Persisting Despite Content Credentials Being Disabled

Product: Adobe Lightroom Desktop (Cloud-Based), Version 9.6
Operating System: Windows 11
Camera Equipment: Nikon Z8 and Nikon Z6 III
Issue: AI-related C2PA metadata remains embedded in exported JPEG photographs despite disabling Apply Content Credentials.

Description of the Problem

I am reporting an issue with Adobe Lightroom Desktop 9.6 involving the automatic inclusion of C2PA Content Credentials in exported JPEG photographs.

My original images are authentic photographs captured using Nikon digital cameras. During normal post-processing, I occasionally use Lightroom's Generative Remove tool to eliminate minor distractions, such as unwanted shadows, lines, or small objects.

These are genuine camera-captured photographs, not images created entirely using generative AI.

Despite explicitly disabling Apply Content Credentials during export, Lightroom continues to include C2PA metadata identifying AI involvement in the resulting JPEG files.

This behavior creates problems when photographs are published on social media platforms, particularly X, where the images are subsequently labeled "Made with AI."

Steps to Reproduce

1. Import an original Nikon NEF (RAW) photograph into Lightroom Desktop 9.6.

2. Make standard photographic adjustments.

3. Use Generative Remove to eliminate a minor shadow, line, or distraction.

4. Export the photograph as a JPEG using Custom Settings.

5. Ensure Apply Content Credentials is unchecked.

6. Examine the exported JPEG using a C2PA verification tool.

7. Observe that the exported file still contains AI-related C2PA provenance information.

Actual Result

The exported JPEG retains C2PA metadata declaring AI involvement, even though the user has explicitly disabled Apply Content Credentials.

When uploaded to X, these photographs may receive a prominent "Made with AI" label.

Expected Result

Adobe should provide clear documentation and export controls explaining when AI-related Content Credentials are mandatory or automatically applied.

If disabling Content Credentials does not apply to photographs edited with Generative Remove, Lightroom should clearly communicate this limitation before export.

Adobe should also distinguish between:

• Fully AI-generated images.

• Authentic camera-captured photographs with minor AI-assisted retouching.

• Photographs edited exclusively using traditional, non-generative tools.

Business and Professional Impact

This issue affects professional photographers who use Lightroom for routine photographic corrections.

A genuine photograph that has undergone a minor generative edit may be presented to viewers as though the entire image was artificially generated.

This can damage the photographer's credibility, undermine confidence in authentic photography, and create confusion about the image's origin.

Requested Action

I request that Adobe:

1. Investigate and document why AI-related C2PA metadata remains present when Apply Content Credentials is disabled.

2. Clarify whether this behavior is intentional, required by policy, or a software defect.

3. Provide more precise provenance descriptions that distinguish authentic photography with limited generative retouching from entirely AI-generated imagery.

4. Improve Lightroom's export interface so photographers understand exactly which Content Credentials will be included.

5. Coordinate with social media platforms to prevent misleading interpretations of AI-assisted photographic edits.

I would appreciate a technical explanation and a formal response from Adobe's Lightroom development team.