How WebPurify can detect AI-generated images

A picture might be worth 1,000 words, but what if it’s a lie? AI-generated images are flooding the internet, making it harder than ever for people to tell fact from fiction. From eerily realistic celebrity deepfakes to entirely synthetic product photos, this form of digital deception is evolving at breakneck speed and all platforms must act fast if they want to maintain trust and authenticity with their users.

With our advanced AI-driven detection systems, backed by human expertise, WebPurify, an IntouchCX company, can detect AI-generated images with precision. Below, we’ll demystify the process of AI image recognition to show you how we’re keeping platforms of all types, from e-commerce to online dating, safe from synthetic media.

The science behind AI image detection

Your AI detection model is only as good as you train it to be, and WebPurify’s AI models are trained on vast datasets made up of both authentic and AI-generated images. After being fed thousands of examples, our models learn to pinpoint the subtle differences that often distinguish synthetic content from real-world photography.

“Our AI detection models identify inconsistencies in color distribution, edge sharpness, and pixel arrangements – patterns that are characteristic of GenAI images,” explains Jonathan Freger, WebPurify co-founder and CTO. “What’s more, they can detect common artifacts found in AI-generated images, such as unnatural reflections, inconsistent light sources, extra fingers, incorrect proportions, and warped or gibberish text.”

In addition to analyzing visual inconsistencies, WebPurify’s AI detection models are designed to operate independently of image metadata, such as EXIF data, which can be easily tampered with or removed. By focusing solely on the visual content of an image, our system ensures that AI image detection remains robust even when the metadata is absent or altered. By analyzing these patterns, our system can identify AI-generated images across various platforms and use cases with an incredible amount of accuracy.

Staying ahead of the curve

AI-generated content is growing more sophisticated, and bad actors are constantly finding new ways to manipulate these tools. To keep pace, WebPurify updates its AI models on a weekly basis, ensuring they can detect the latest AI-generation techniques and new patterns in synthetic content.

“We stay ahead of the curve by continuously refining our AI models to detect the latest advancements in synthetic media,” says Alexandra Popken, WebPurify’s VP of Trust & Safety. “Additionally, we invest in ongoing training for our human moderation teams, equipping them with insights into the latest trends, real-world examples of synthetic media, and workflows to ensure consistency and accuracy in decision-making.”

As good as our AI is, technology alone isn’t enough. That’s why WebPurify uses human moderators to verify AI-generated image detections. Our moderators are all trained professionals who provide expert oversight of GenAI model outputs. “Human moderators play a vital role in enforcing platform policies and refining AI compliance by reviewing training data and helping minimize the generation of violative content,” Alex notes. “They also conduct advanced red-teaming exercises to identify and mitigate the tactics bad actors use to exploit AI systems.”

This dual approach – blending cutting-edge AI detection with expert human oversight – allows us to effectively detect AI images and moderate synthetic media with precision and reliability.

The most concerning AI-generated images

Not all AI-generated images are harmful, but some applications raise serious trust and safety concerns. Two of the most alarming areas include:

AI-generated child sexual abuse material (AIG-CSAM)

It’s a sad truth that some bad actors are now using widely available AI tools to create illicit material that is still illegal under federal law. “One of the most alarming types of AI-generated content we encounter is AI-generated child sexual abuse material (AIG-CSAM),” Alex says. “Through our red-teaming efforts, we identify these threats and report them to our clients, who then escalate them to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children and law enforcement.”

AI-generated misinformation

AI can be used to manipulate images and spread misinformation, including doctored election material, fake news stories, and misleading social media content. “We work with our clients to enforce content moderation on manipulated, doctored, or out-of-context images that mislead users and may pose serious risks of harm,” Alex explains.

Platforms that should be concerned

While many people tend to focus on its spread within social media, the rise of AI-generated images actually affects a wide range of industries. “Many platforms should be concerned – from social media to e-commerce to dating, fintech, health and everything in between,” Alex warns. “Social platforms risk deepfakes and fake profiles, e-commerce faces counterfeit products and deceptive listings, and dating apps must combat AI-driven catfishing. Even financial and identity verification systems are vulnerable to synthetic fraud.”

Platforms must stay proactive by adapting their trust and safety policies, detection tools, and transparency measures to better protect their users. This includes implementing real-time AI image detection models, integrating human moderation for more nuanced decision-making, and regularly auditing these detection systems to address any emerging threats.

Platforms should also put more emphasis on user education, ensuring that the public better understands the risks of synthetic media and how to identify manipulated content. By taking a multi-layered approach to content verification, brands will be better equipped to uphold the trust and integrity that is the lifeblood of any online platform.

The future of AI image moderation

Unlike past technical developments, AI-generated images aren’t just a passing trend; they’re redefining our digital reality. As this synthetic content becomes more convincing, platforms will need to arm themselves with more than just traditional detection methods. The next frontier of AI image moderation relies on speed, adaptability, and intelligence.

“The ability to detect AI-generated images is more critical than ever, WebPurify remains at the forefront of this challenge, leveraging a blend of cutting-edge AI and expert human moderation to safeguard digital ecosystems from misuse,” Alex says.

“Ultimately, human judgment is essential in maintaining the integrity of GenAI technology. As AI continues to evolve, so will WebPurify’s capabilities. By integrating real-time analysis, adaptive machine learning, and an evolving set of detection tools, we ensure businesses, platforms, and users can trust what they see online. AI-generated content isn’t slowing down – and neither are we.”