(13 Nov 2024) Amidst the ongoing issues of research integrity and paper mills, image integrity is a growing concern. The rise of generative AI poses significant additional risks, as it allows for the generation of images and other types of data that are very hard — if not impossible — to detect with current technologies. For this reason, STM funded a report developed by MoreBrains Cooperative, looking into the feasibility of technical solutions for the detection of falsified images in research.
The report, which primarily looked at immunohistochemistry blots and microscopy images, explores current approaches to verifying image integrity, challenges and possible solutions.
Through a mix of desk research and interviews with stakeholders, we found technical solutions are available to establish the authenticity of images, but there are significant challenges around standards, governance and community buy-in. To be effective, an image integrity system must be available to and accepted by all.
Download the full report to learn more about the proposed solutions, which would draw on digital signatures, trusted certificates with distributed registration and a persistent identifier system.
