IT Forensics · OSINT
Conducting a forensic reverse image search – forensically tracing the origin and first use of an image
Reverse image search can be used to check whether an image has already been published elsewhere on the internet, which allows conclusions to be drawn about its original source, first publication or possible unauthorised reuse.
This method may be useful for checking whether an image presented is actually up to date and authentic, or whether it originates from a different context.
Why LanCologne?
Since its foundation, LanCologne has specialised in professional IT forensics. Our staff have decades of experience in the field of information technology and assist companies, solicitors, private individuals and, on a regular basis, the courts in the technical investigation of complex digital matters.
Our OSINT investigations are always carried out as a complementary component to existing IT forensic, legal or internal corporate enquiries. Every step of the investigation and every piece of digital evidence found is documented and, where technically possible, archived to ensure traceability even if the original online content is subsequently altered or deleted.
Our services
We carry out a structured reverse image search for a relevant image and document any previous publications found in a manner that is forensically verifiable.
Typical areas of application
This is how a reverse image search analysis works
The relevant image is checked against previous publications using several independent search services. Any matches found are documented with the date, source and context, and compared with the case in question.
Why is reverse image search relevant in a forensic context?
Evidence of a previous publication from a different context can be crucial in exposing an image as inauthentic or misleading.
Proof of the first publication of an image can also be of considerable importance in relation to copyright issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
LanCologne – IT Forensics OSINT Cologne
Do you require a professional OSINT investigation into „conducting a forensic reverse image search"? LanCologne can assist you with the transparent, documented analysis of publicly available digital sources to support your IT forensic, legal or internal corporate enquiries.
Related to this topic
- Determining the geolocation of images and videos using OSINT – forensically reconstructing the location where visual content was captured
- Forensic analysis of image metadata – using EXIF and other image metadata for forensic purposes
- Investigating suspected deepfakes using OSINT – Forensic analysis of artificially generated image and video content
- Carrying out video verification using open sources – conducting a forensic examination of the authenticity of video footage