Researchers at Keele University have developed a physics-inspired AI model that achieved high accuracy in tests distinguishing genuine facial images from AI-generated or manipulated images.

The research team, led by Ph.D. candidate Saman Maghsoudi from Keele’s School of Computer Science and Mathematics, has created a tool that analyzes color information and patterns of brightness within an image to help distinguish genuine facial images from AI-generated or manipulated ones.

Creating synthetic photographs or videos of faces, known as “deepfakes,” has become even easier in the age of generative AI, meaning the ability to reliably spot genuine or fake images is becoming increasingly important for trust, security and authenticity in things like digital media and combating identity theft.