How to Identify AI-Generated Photos: Techniques and Tools

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To determine whether a photo is AI-generated or not, several methods and tools can be employed. Here are some key techniques and indicators:

Visual Distortions and Anomalies

AI-generated images often exhibit subtle distortions or anomalies that are not typically present in human-captured photos. These can include:
  • Mismatched Earrings: Earrings might not match or appear out of place.
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  • Warped Backgrounds: The background might be distorted or inconsistent.
  • Nonsensical Text: Text in the image might be nonsensical or not align correctly with the context.
  • Teeth and Eyes: Teeth can overlap or appear asymmetrical, and eyes might be overly shiny, blurry, or hollow-looking.

Media Literacy Techniques

Experts recommend using tried-and-true media literacy techniques to identify AI-generated images. One such model is SIFT, created by research scientist Mike Caufield, which involves:
  • Stop: Pause to consider the source and the context.
  • Investigate: Look for other sources to verify the information.
  • Find: Find trusted sources to corroborate the information.
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  • Trace: Trace the information back to the original source to ensure its authenticity.

AI Detection Tools

Several AI detection tools can help identify AI-generated images:
  • Maybe's AI Image Detector: This tool generates a score reflecting the probability of the image being AI-generated.
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  • AI or Not: This tool checks for AI-generated content in images, audio, and KYC identity documents, among others.
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  • SynthID: A tool by Google Cloud for watermarking and identifying AI-generated images.
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  • GAN Detectors: These detectors analyze the image and compare it to known AI-generated images to identify inconsistencies.

Contextual and Visual Inconsistencies

Visual inconsistencies and the context of the image can also be telling signs:
  • Glossy Sheen: AI-generated images might have an unnatural glossy sheen.
  • Too Many Fingers: The image might depict an unnatural number of fingers.
  • Image Context: The context of the image, such as the background or the scenario, might not align logically with real-world possibilities.

Practical Tips

  • Zoom Out: Zooming out can help identify inconsistencies that are not apparent at first glance.
  • Reverse Image Search: Tools like TinEye can be used to perform a reverse image search and find other instances of the image online, which can help determine its origin.
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By combining these methods and tools, one can effectively identify whether a photo is AI-generated or not. However, it's important to note that no method is foolproof, and sometimes a combination of techniques is necessary for accurate detection.