by Emmanuel Dabo and Meodi Mothapo
One of the simplest techniques for verifying the authenticity of an image circulating on the internet is the reverse search technique. It consists of “uploading” the image to be checked on Google images, then observing and analyzing the results that will be offered. Below are the steps:
- Save the address of the image by right-clicking on it (long press on your smartphone)
- Go to the Google images site and copy the link in the tab provided for this purpose
- Click on “Search by image” and study the proposed results
Google Images is a Google service with the particularity of searching for images related to a subject. The reverse search technique therefore presents the reverse circuit. Rather than entering a theme and having images related to this theme, it is a question of entering the link of an image to get ideas on the themes and context related to the image in question.
In addition to Google Images, there are others who favor reverse search: tineye, Yandex and Baidu.
To find out information about the brand of the camera with which the shot was taken, technical information (shutter speed, aperture, ISO sensitivity, focal length, etc.), date and time of the shot Jeffrey’s Image Metadata Viewer and Metapicz are some of the best tools, as well as GPS coordinates when the camera is fitted with a GPS module.
If your objective is to analyze photos in order to identify signs of photomontage, retouching, etc. Forensically is an online tool that can help you.
Regarding video verification, Amnesty Youtube Data Viewer and InVID are free applications that help trace the origin of videos posted on the net.
On Twitter, it is often the case that robots are spreading information with a significant amplifying effect. The Botometer tool helps to find out who is behind the account in question: a robot or a human.
PS: It is important to keep in mind that all these tools are not 100% perfect and that an analytical mind combined with mastery of the tools is necessary.