In a world where AI is reshaping how visuals are created, edited, and distributed, a fundamental question keeps surfacing: How do we know what’s real? As marketing teams, designers, and everyday consumers increasingly interact with AI-generated or AI-assisted content, the traditional markers of authenticity are being rewritten.
In this debut episode of the Santa Cruz Software Labs Podcast, we explore The Authenticity Factor—a concept that sits at the center of today’s visual communication challenges. Joining us for this conversation are two leaders in the field:
Stephane Bee, Creative Presentation Lead at OLIVER Agency
Santiago Lyon, Head of Advocacy & Education at the Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI) by Adobe
Together, they unpack how AI is influencing creative workflows, reshaping professional pride in craft, and raising urgent questions about transparency in visual media. The discussion ranges from the philosophical—what authenticity truly means—to the practical realities facing designers, brands, journalists, and regulators.
Authenticity & AI Topics Covered:
How designers define authenticity today: Is it truthfulness, transparency, provenance, or all of the above?
Does AI limit human creativity, or unlock entirely new possibilities?
The ethical boundaries of image manipulation, especially in photojournalism and regulated industries like finance.
The growing need for responsibility across the entire content supply chain, from creators to publishers.
Why distinguishing between misinformation and disinformation matters, and how education, transparency, and policy will shape trust in visual content going forward.
Whether you’re a designer, marketer, technologist, or simply curious about the future of visual media, this episode offers a grounded, insightful look at how AI is pushing the industry toward a new era of provenance and accountability.
The Santa Cruz Software Labs podcast can be found on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other major platforms.
Listen to the full conversation to explore how authenticity can survive—and even thrive—amid the rise of AI-driven content creation.