Preserve Photographic Integrity

The credibility of photography as a witness to reality has become increasingly vulnerable due to advancements in software that can manipulate images undetectably. This manipulation threatens our shared sense of reality, particularly in contexts such as war reporting and environmental issues. Historical photographs have served as crucial reference points, shaping public perception and awareness, like the impact of Earth Day following the iconic photo of Earth from space. Despite recognizing the importance of photographic integrity, little has been done over decades to ensure the credibility of images. A proposed labeling system for manipulated photographs, despite its rationale, received limited adoption, underscoring a broader reluctance to prioritize transparency in photography.