In the digital age, images can easily be manipulated to mislead or deceive. Knowing how to identify edited or forged images is a vital skill, especially for protecting yourself in online spaces where scams and misinformation are rampant. Here’s how you can detect image edits with simple tools and techniques.

Signs of Edited Images

1. Inconsistent Lighting or Shadows:
   If the lighting or shadows in the image don’t match, it could be a sign of manipulation. Look for objects that seem to have different light sources.

2. Strange Edges or Blurring:
   Edited areas often have uneven or blurred edges. Pay attention to any regions that seem unnaturally smooth or poorly blended.

3. Repeating Patterns:
   Cloning tools in editing software can leave behind duplicate patterns, such as the same patch of grass or clouds appearing multiple times.

4. Unrealistic Details:
   Certain elements might look out of place or have inconsistent sizes and proportions, which can indicate tampering.

5. Metadata Mismatches:
   Metadata contains details about when and how an image was created. If metadata shows signs of editing software, the image may not be original.

Simple Tools to Detect Image Edits

1. FotoForensics

• Offers Error Level Analysis (ELA) to identify areas of the image that might have been altered.
• Easy to use: Simply upload the image, and the tool will highlight inconsistencies.
• Visit FotoForensics

2. TinEye

• A reverse image search engine that helps trace the origin of an image. If the image has been altered, you can often find the original version.
• Visit TinEye

3. JPEGsnoop

• Examines compression artifacts and metadata to identify edited areas.
• Works well for JPEG files.

4. Forensically

• Free online tool with features like clone detection, ELA, and metadata extraction.
• Simple and user-friendly interface for beginners.
• Visit Forensically

5. InVID Verification Plugin

• Browser extension designed for verifying images and videos.
• Ideal for journalists and investigators to identify doctored visuals.

Manual Techniques

• Zoom In Closely:
  Look for pixelation or rough edges around objects that don’t blend naturally.

• Check Metadata:
  Use tools like ExifTool to examine the metadata for any traces of editing software.

• Compare Versions:
  Use reverse image search engines to find other instances of the image and compare for differences.

Protect Yourself

Being able to spot edited images can help you avoid falling for scams or fake news. If you suspect an image has been manipulated, always verify it before trusting the information it conveys. If you're unsure, you can reach out to the AFG team or use tools like FairSense AI to cross-check content.

Stay informed, stay sharp, and always question the authenticity of what you see online.

AFG Alliance: Empowering you with the tools to stay safe!