Canon, Nikon and Sony are developing camera technology that includes digital signatures in images, which could help distinguish photos from elaborate fakes created by artificial intelligence – GIGAZINE

Advances in artificial intelligence technology have made it possible to create sophisticated images that are indistinguishable from the real thing. However, since complex images generated by AI image generation can be used to spread false information, there is a need to develop technology that can accurately distinguish between images generated by AI image generation and real images captured by a camera. Camera manufacturers such as Canon, Nikon and Sony are reportedly developing technology to embed “digital signatures that prove they are real images” in images.

Nikon and Sony use electronic signatures to prevent fake photos based on artificial intelligence – Nihon Keizai Shimbun
https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZQOUC21C520R21C23A2000000/

Nikon, Sony and Canon fight AI-based counterfeiting with new camera technology – Nikkei Asia
https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Technology/Nikon-Sony-and-Canon-fight-AI-fakes-with-new-camera-tech

According to a report in Nihon Keizai Shimbun, Nikon is developing a mirrorless camera that can embed a digital signature into photos, including information such as “date and time of shooting,” “location,” and “taker.” ''

Sony is also developing similar digital signature embedding technology and plans to integrate it into three camera models via firmware in 2024. Sony is also developing a tool that verifies the digital signature on an authentication server and determines whether an image is an AI-generated image. Sony reportedly tested the tool in collaboration with the Associated Press in October 2023.

Moreover, Canon is also developing digital signature embed technology, and plans to release a model equipped with this technology in 2024. Canon has also developed an image management tool that allows you to check the image editing history by referring to the embedded information.

Camera manufacturers aren't the only ones developing technology to differentiate between AI-generated images and real ones. For example, according to the Nihon Keizai Shimbun, major news organizations, technology companies and camera manufacturers are collaborating to develop image inspection tools. This tool is called “Verify,” and it is said to be able to verify information such as the date and time the photo was taken and the location of the photo by referring to the digital signature embedded in the photo.

Progress is also being made in developing a mechanism called “content credentials” that allows creators of content such as images to include information such as “whether or not artificial intelligence is used” in the content. Big tech companies like Adobe, Microsoft, and Intel are already conducting research and development to deploy content credentials.

How does the “AI watermarking” promoted by Microsoft and Adobe work? -GIGAZINE