Children are “shot in the skull” – Why news outlets should authenticate images

The New York Times recently published a poignant opinion piece titled “What Doctors and Health Workers Saw in Gaza,” which included first-hand accounts from medical workers on the ground as well as X-rays of children shot in the head and heart.

Soon after the essay was published, allegations mounted on social media that the images were fake or manipulated.

These photos are more than just pictures. They shape the way readers around the world perceive the conflict. But in today’s media landscape, where trust in traditional journalism is often low, news organizations face the added challenge of convincing audiences that these images are real.

In a world where altered images and AI-generated media circulate freely, the authenticity of news media content is under constant scrutiny. For media companies like The New York Times, verifying the images they publish is not just a technical matter; This is important to maintain the credibility of the content they convey, be it breaking news or an opinion essay.

In cases like this, where emotionally charged images accompany stories of immense human suffering, authenticity is crucial for two main reasons.

First, verified images improve the publication’s ability to spread meaningful news and influence the public’s understanding.

Second, image authentication helps counter the growing cynicism and conspiratorial thinking of readers who are increasingly skeptical of the reality behind what they see.

Counterfeits everywhere: What can a media company do?

News outlets could adopt stricter authentication practices for the images they publish. By doing so, they protect their reputation, build trust with their audience, and help build a more informed, less cynical readership.

Modern media audiences are more skeptical than ever. Conspiracy theories and cynicism have increased in recent years as readers increasingly encounter reports of deepfakes, AI-generated content and altered images.

Many viewers now view images with suspicion, wondering whether they are seeing the truth or just an invented version of it. This shift is having a significant impact on news outlets, as trust between media organizations and their audiences is steadily eroded by the spread of fake and misleading images.

For readers, the presence of authentication credentials can make all the difference in their willingness to trust an image and the story it portrays. Authentication practices such as providing metadata, chain of custody verification, and use of forensic analysis help reassure readers that the images they view are accurate and genuine.

By sharing some of these verification details with the public, news organizations can build a more transparent relationship with their audiences and address potential doubts before they arise.

In a highly charged political climate, images from conflict zones are often subjected to intense scrutiny and even accusations of forgery. By integrating authentication data into and with these images, such as timestamps, location data and source verification, news organizations can pre-emptively counter claims of deception.

This transparency can allay readers’ concerns who might otherwise assume the worst, fostering a more informed and less conspiratorial audience.

What happens if the authenticity of the image cannot be proven?

I qualified as an expert in video, photo and audio forensics and gave evidence in court. In my work, I often examine media to determine whether it is authentic or fake, or whether it has been manipulated or manipulated.

Sometimes I can’t conclusively judge one thing or another, but I can explain the reasons behind it and give an expert opinion on whether I believe the photo is real or fake.

Even if authenticity cannot be conclusively proven, presenting the evidence of authenticity involves the reader in the decision-making process, similar to how a lawyer presents evidence but leaves the final decision to a jury.

If a media organization believes that a story or image may be particularly inflammatory, it would be wise to prevent attacks on the authenticity of the image by conducting a forensic analysis and attaching the expert’s opinion to the image.

Arguments for setting standards for authenticating media images

The arguments for linking images to verification data are obvious. Perhaps it’s time for media companies to go on the offensive when it comes to authenticating images, rather than react and defend themselves when the flood of fraud allegations hits them.

To ensure credibility, sensitive images, particularly those with political or humanitarian references, could be provided with standards that increase their reliability.

For example, media companies could adopt a best practice when presenting images of conflict zones and publish metadata, product chains and digital analysis results alongside the visual content. Not only would this increase transparency, but it would also help the public make more informed decisions based on verifiable information.

Other areas already require similar standards. In scientific research, for example, data must be carefully documented and verified before publication. Legal evidence undergoes rigorous authentication to ensure its credibility in court.

By having similar standards for images, especially those with high public impact, we can ensure that digital media is both transparent and trustworthy. For politically sensitive content like the images from Gaza, this shift could change the way media is consumed and interpreted by the public.

The benefits go both ways

Adopting image authentication standards benefits both news organizations and the readers they serve. For news organizations, these standards protect their reputations and reduce the likelihood of accidentally publishing misleading or fake content.

By committing to rigorous vetting, news media can ensure that their reporting is both accurate and meaningful. By sharing this information, they create an environment where truth is valued and public discourse is informed by reality.

For the reader, authentication provides clarity and security. When news outlets publish authenticated images, they invite readers to trust not only the images but also the stories and information associated with them.

This practice helps counteract the growing trend toward conspiracy thinking and allows viewers to feel safer in the media they consume. By reducing feelings of skepticism and doubt, news organizations can promote a healthier, more transparent media landscape in which readers are less likely to fall prey to misinformation.

A return to “Trust, but verify”

There was a time when people believed until there was a reason not to, but not anymore. Many act out of disbelief and cynicism, and not without reason.

While I doubt we will or should return to a time of blind trust in the media, I do believe we can return to some form of “trust but verify.”

If you believe the original version until proven otherwise, version 2.0 is the same, just in reverse. Now, verification must come first before the seeds of trust can take root.

It also makes business sense

The New York Times article on Gaza is a timely reminder of the importance of authenticity in visual media. As technology advances, the lines between real and fictional images are blurring, leaving readers wondering what they can trust.

By committing to verification standards and promoting transparency, news organizations can help build a media landscape that is both credible and resilient. In doing so, they not only share meaningful news, but also contribute to a more informed, less cynical world.

Additionally, adopting robust authentication practices provides an opportunity to strengthen their credibility, protect their reputations, and distinguish themselves as trustworthy sources of information.

For readers, these practices provide a much-needed foundation of trust that allows audiences to believe in the images they see and the stories they read.

Proactively providing evidence that we can trust what we see is good for readers and balm for the reputation of media companies. In business, trust is usually good for the bottom line too.

Note: I wrote this article not to question the integrity of news organizations, but rather to highlight a crucial aspect of today’s digital media landscape: images alone are no longer enough to establish authenticity.