arXiv:2505.23814 · v3

Watermarking Without Standards Is Not AI Governance

首次提交 2025-05-28 02:10

版本更新 2026-11-05 05:42

雷达观测 2026-11-06 11:06

摘要

Watermarking has emerged as a leading technical proposal for attributing generative AI content and is increasingly cited in global governance frameworks. This position paper argues that current implementations risk serving as symbolic compliance rather than delivering effective oversight. We identify a growing gap between regulatory expectations and the technical limitations of existing watermarking schemes. Through analysis of policy proposals and industry practices, we show how incentive structures disincentivize robust, auditable deployments. To realign watermarking with governance goals, we propose a three-layer framework encompassing technical standards, audit infrastructure, and enforcement mechanisms. Without enforceable requirements and independent verification, watermarking will remain inadequate for accountability and ultimately undermine broader efforts in AI safety and regulation.

作者备注：Accepted at NeurIPS 2026 Position Paper Track