Launching the Cryptography and Provenance TWG

The PDF Association is pleased to announce the launch of its Cryptography and Provenance Technical Working Group (TWG)—an evolution of our work in secure digital document standards. Building on the foundation established by the PDF Digital Signatures TWG (which it will replace), this new initiative broadens our focus to include the use of a wider range of cryptographic technologies and provenance mechanisms that are critical to ensuring trust in PDF documents.

As global digital ecosystems continue to evolve, so do the challenges in verifying authenticity, integrity, and authorship. The Cryptography and Provenance TWG will explore topics such as verifiable credentials, digital signatures (including PAdES), certificate-based and post-quantum cryptography, and content provenance frameworks. This expanded scope aligns with the PDF industry’s growing need for secure and transparent digital workflows.

Building on our liaisons with the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA) and the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) we particularly welcome participation from the broader C2PA community and others engaged in digital provenance efforts. Through the PDF Association’s Category A liaison with ISO TC 171 SC 2 (the ISO subcommittee on document file formats, EDMS systems and authenticity of information), this TWG will serve as the PDF Association’s own forum for contributing towards work in ISO TC 171 SC 2 WG 13 (Content Provenance). By fostering collaboration across organizations and disciplines we aim to develop robust, interoperable standards that enhance trust in PDF documents and the content within these documents.

For more details and to get involved, visit the community page. PDF Association members can now sign up for this community via the Member Area.

Join us in shaping the future of secure, verifiable, and trusted digital content!