Metadata Stripping
The absence of EXIF data (camera model, shutter speed) in digital files.
Every digital photo has a fingerprint called EXIF data (Camera model, shutter speed, date). AI images? Blank.
The Void
If you check the file info and it's completely empty, be suspicious. Even social media strips some metadata, but AI generators usually leave it totally barren or leave tags like "Steps: 20, Model: v4."
If the Metadata says "Adobe Firefly" or "Midjourney," well, case closed. But an empty profile on a "news photo" is a huge red flag.
Common Manifestations
The 'Creator' Tag: Viewing formatting info in Photoshop reveals the Creator tool as 'Midjourney 5.2' instead of 'Canon EOS'.
Impossible ISO: Sometimes metadata is fake-injected, but claims impossible stats like 'ISO 0' or 'Shutter Speed 1/0 sec'.
How to Spot It
- 1Use a metadata viewer tool to inspect the file headers.
- 2Look for software tags like "Automatic1111" or "Adobe Firefly".
- 3A completely empty metadata profile *can* be suspicious in a "raw" news photo.