IT Forensics · OSINT
Tracing watermarks and image provenance using OSINT – Forensically determining the original source and rights holders of images
Visible or removed watermarks, as well as image metadata, can provide clues as to the original rights holder or the platform on which an image was first published.
This information may be relevant in determining the actual origin of an image in the context of copyright or verification-related issues.
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 investigate available evidence relating to watermarks, image sources and potential rights holders, and document the results in a manner that is forensically verifiable.
Typical areas of application
How an image source search works
The image is checked for visible or technical indications of a watermark, and a reverse image search is carried out to identify previous publications that may include details of the rights holder.
Why is image source investigation relevant in a forensic context?
Proving the original source can be of crucial importance in resolving copyright claims.
Even a watermark that has been removed or covered up can in itself constitute an important piece of forensic evidence of unauthorised use.
Frequently Asked Questions
LanCologne – IT Forensics OSINT Cologne
Do you require a professional OSINT investigation into „Tracing watermarks and image provenance using OSINT"? LanCologne supports you in carrying out a transparent, documented analysis of publicly available digital sources to supplement your IT forensic, legal or internal corporate investigations.
Related to this topic
- Hash value generation for archived online content
- Conducting a forensic reverse image search – forensically tracing the origin and first use of an image
- 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