Adobe has revealed that it will release a preview version of its popular image editing software Photoshop later this year, which will include a technology that will help verify the authenticity of images. An ironic feature, given that the software itself is usually credited for most altered photos available across the web – regardless of a creator’s intent.
According to a recently published whitepaper by the company, the new version of Photoshop will add tags to images and will provide insights about their origins. The tags will include the identity of an image’s original photographer, as well as the date it was taken and the location where it was shot. Adobe said that the details will also be cryptographically signed to vouch for their authenticity.
Besides introducing this new feature to Photoshop, Adobe added that it is also planning to integrate this tech into its Behance social media network for creative professionals. However, the company has not revealed a confirmed date for its roll-out on either platforms at this time.
This image authentication technology is a result of the Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI) involving Adobe, The New York Times and Twitter that was announced last year. The initiative aims to reduce the number of manipulated images that would potentially cause misinformation online, especially via social media networks.
Once implemented, this new tool will greatly assist social media platforms and news outlets in their efforts to debunk potentially bogus images. With the included tags, they will be able to easily identify a misused or altered image by pinpointing its origin. However, its effectiveness remains to be seen, and a widespread use will require a large number of companies and organisations to also participate in this initiative.
