Block Proof: A Blockchain Framework for Media Authenticity Decentralized Media Authenticity

Abstract

Fast developments in the field of artificial intelligence have made possible the emergence of hyper-realistic synthesized media dubbed deepfakes that constitute a significant challenge for digital trust, public communications, and forensics. Current solutions for detecting media deepfakes employ deep learning models that look for visual and temporal inconsistencies in altered images and videos. But these methods are reactive and cannot keep up with the development of the adversarial models meant to circumvent the detection algorithms. In order to overcome this problem, this paper offers a proactive solution that utilizes Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and blockchain technology for establishing authenticity of the media at its moment of capturing. In particular, the solution hashes the original media with a SHA-256 hash function and saves it on a blockchain compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) using smart contracts. Verification of the media involves re-computing its hash and comparing it to the record in the blockchain. Any modifications to the media will be revealed during the process. A proof-of-concept implementation is used to assess the framework in terms of transaction time, gas consumed, and robustness to post-production modifications. Experiments show that the proposed approach allows achieving zero-trust, low-complexity and secure verification of the content integrity and strengthening digital journalism.