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Subvolts take Distinguishing real from fake images is failing, threatening our shared reality. Feb 5, 2026
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Learn about the limitations of current content labeling standards and the challenges in detecting AI-generated media.
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This episode offers a grounded discussion on the societal impact of AI-generated media, featuring insights from a tech reporter.

Decoder with Nilay Patel
Decoder with Nilay Patel Episode

Reality is losing the deepfake war

49 min Interview Hosts: Nilay Patel
0:0048:55

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From Subvolts

Summary and analysis by Subvolts editorial, AI-assisted.

Summary

Decoder with Nilay Patel discusses the escalating reality crisis fueled by generative AI. Patel talks with Verge reporter Jess Weatherbed about the challenges of labeling photos and videos to preserve a shared understanding of the world. They explore the limitations of AI labeling standards like C2PA and the concerns raised by social media executives.

Explained simply

This episode explores how AI can create realistic fake photos and videos, making it hard to tell what's real. It discusses why current technology struggles to label these fakes and why this is a problem for everyone.

Why listen

This episode is for anyone concerned about the proliferation of AI-generated fake images and videos. It explains why current labeling standards are insufficient and how social media platforms are struggling to cope. Listeners will understand the technical and societal implications of deepfakes and the difficulty in distinguishing real from artificial content, connecting to ongoing efforts by frontier AI labs to improve content authenticity and detection.

On the mic
  • HostNilay Patel
  • GuestJess Weatherbedreporter, The Verge
About
GoogleOpenAIMicrosoftMetaAnthropicxAIImage GenerationVideo GenerationPolicy
Key facts
  • Episode Title: Reality is losing the deepfake war
  • Show: Decoder with Nilay Patel
  • Length: 49 minutes
  • Guest: Jess Weatherbed, Verge reporter
  • Key Standard Mentioned: C2PA
Show notes from The Verge

Today, we’re going to talk about reality, and whether we can label photos and videos to protect our shared understanding of the world around us. To do this, I sat down with Verge reporter Jess Weatherbed, who covers creative tools for us — a space that’s been totally upended by generative AI.

We’ve been talking about how the photos and videos taken by our phones are getting more and more processed for years on The Verge. Here in 2026, we’re in the middle of a full-on reality crisis, as fake and manipulated ultra-believable images and videos flood onto social platforms at scale. So Jess and I discussed the limitations of AI labeling standards like C2PA, and why social media execs like Instagram boss Adam Mosseri are now sounding the alarm. 

Read the full transcript on The Verge.

Links: 

  • This system can sort real pictures from AI fakes — why aren’t we using it? | The Verge
  • You can’t trust your eyes to tell you what’s real, says Instagram | The Verge
  • Instagram’s boss is missing the point about AI on the platform | The Verge
  • Sora is showing us how broken deepfake detection is | The Verge
  • Reality still matters | The Verge
  • No one’s ready for this | The Verge
  • What is a photo, @WhiteHouse edition | The Verge
  • Google Gemini is getting better at identifying AI fakes | The Verge
  • Let’s compare Apple, Google & Samsung’s definitions of 'photo’ | The Verge
  • The Pixel 8 and the what-is-a-photo apocalypse | The Verge

Subscribe to The Verge to access the ad-free version of Decoder!


Credits:

Decoder is a production of The Verge and part of the Vox Media Podcast Network.

Decoder is produced by Kate Cox and Nick Statt and edited by Ursa Wright. Our editorial director is Kevin McShane. 

The Decoder music is by Breakmaster Cylinder.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jargon decoded
deepfake
Jess Weatherbed
AI-generated fake images or videos that look very real
C2PA
Jess Weatherbed
A standard for digital content provenance, aiming to verify authenticity
Published
Show
Decoder with Nilay Patel · The Verge
Length
49 min
Companies
Google, OpenAI, Microsoft, Meta, Anthropic, xAI
Products
C2PA, Sora, Gemini, Pixel 8
Summary by
Subvolts, using an AI model (how we work). Spotted a mistake? Tell us.
#Image Generation#Video Generation#Policy

Best of Decoder with Nilay Patel

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Questions people ask

What is the main problem discussed in the episode?
The episode discusses a reality crisis caused by AI-generated fake images and videos flooding social platforms, making it difficult to distinguish real content from manipulated content.
What are the limitations of current AI labeling standards?
The episode touches on the limitations of AI labeling standards like C2PA, suggesting they are not sufficient to combat the scale of deepfakes.

Page generated Oct 19, 2026. Summaries are Subvolts' own; the audio, artwork and notes belong to The Verge.