Canon, Nikon, and Sony are developing camera technology that embeds digital signatures in photos, which could help distinguish photos from sophisticated AI-generated fakes

Advances in AI technology have made it possible to create sophisticated images that are indistinguishable from real photos. However, since sophisticated images created by image generation AI may be used to spread false information, there is a need to develop technology that can accurately distinguish between images generated by image generation AI and real photos taken with a camera. I am. It has been reported that camera manufacturers such as Canon, Nikon, and Sony are developing technology to embed ``digital signatures that prove that they are real photos'' in photos.

Nikon and Sony use electronic signatures to prevent AI fake images - Nihon Keizai Shimbun
https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZQOUC21C520R21C23A2000000/

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

According to a report in the Nihon Keizai Shimbun, Nikon is developing a mirrorless camera that can embed a digital signature in 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 incorporate this technology 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 the image is an AI-generated image. Sony reportedly tested the tool in cooperation with the Associated Press in October 2023.

Furthermore, Canon is also developing digital signature embedding 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 an image's editing history by referencing embedded information.

Camera manufacturers aren't the only ones developing technology to distinguish between AI-generated images and real photos. For example, according to the Nihon Keizai Shimbun, major news organizations, technology companies, and camera manufacturers are collaborating to develop image checking tools. This tool is called ``Verify,'' and it is said to be able to check 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 image.

Also, progress is being made in the development of a mechanism called ``Content Credentials'' that allows creators of content such as photos to embed information such as ``whether or not AI was used'' into the content. Major technology companies such as Adobe, Microsoft, and Intel are already conducting research and development to popularize Content Credentials.

How does the 'AI watermark' promoted by Microsoft and Adobe work? - GIGAZINE