Hany Farid, cofounder of GetReal, explains that distinguishing between an AI-generated image and a genuine photograph has become increasingly difficult for most people. While human observers often claim confidence in their ability to spot fakes, Farid notes that professional detection requires specialised tools like PhotoDNA. This perceptual hashing algorithm, now deployed across major internet platforms, automatically identifies and removes harmful synthetic content that escapes human scrutiny.
The practical implication is a gradual erosion of shared visual truth, where the burden of verification shifts entirely to automated systems. As synthetic media generation improves, the average person loses the ability to trust their own eyes without external aid. This dynamic forces a fundamental change in how society consumes digital evidence, relying on technical filters rather than individual judgment to maintain integrity online.
* PhotoDNA is currently used by every serious internet platform globally.
* Distinction between real and fake images requires specialist expertise.
* Human confidence in spotting fakes is often misplaced.
