Professors, Dr Manikandan V M and Mr Shaik Johny Basha from the Department of Computer Science and Engineering along with their B.Tech. students Ms Aafrin Mohammad and Ms Rohini Sai Pasupula have published the patent titled, “A System And A Method For Adaptive Invisible Watermarking In Social Media Images.” Their patent introduces a novel method for securing photo downloads, ensuring that any unauthorised use of the images can be traced back to its original source if tampered with.
Abstract:
The invention presents a System and Method for Adaptive Invisible Watermarking in Social Media Images to enhance digital privacy and copyright protection. The proposed system integrates advanced invisible watermarking technology to embed unique, imperceptible metadata into images. When users attempt to download or screenshot images from social media, the system automatically adds a hidden watermark containing identifying details such as IP address, Date, Time, and Location. This ensures that any unauthorized use of the images can be traced back to the source. By combining image processing, data encryption, and digital rights management, this system provides a robust solution for protecting online images without affecting their visible quality.
Explanation in Layperson’s Terms:
In today’s digital world, people frequently share personal photos on social media, but there is very little protection against unauthorized downloads or screenshots. Once an image is copied, there is no way to track who took it or where it is being used. Through their invention, the team solves this problem by embedding a hidden watermark in images without changing how they look. This hidden watermark automatically adds invisible information such as the IP address, location, date, and time of the user who downloads or screenshots the image. This means that if the image is misused or shared without permission, it can be traced back to the source. By combining image editing techniques, encryption, and digital security, they ensure that people’s photos remain safe and trackable online. Hence, the invention provides a new way to protect privacy and copyright while allowing users to engage freely on social media.
Practical and Social Implications:
The proposed Adaptive Invisible Watermarking System can be practically implemented using a combination of image processing algorithms, digital watermarking techniques, and cloud-based metadata storage. Below are the key steps in its real-world application:
- Integration with Social Media Platforms: The system can be embedded in social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn to automatically apply invisible watermarks containing metadata (IP address, timestamp, location, etc.) to uploaded images without altering their visual appearance.
- Automatic Watermarking During Downloads or Screenshots: When a user downloads or screenshots an image, the system automatically applies a second layer of invisible watermarking that includes identifying information of the downloader, ensuring every image copy has a unique identifier for traceability.
- Forensic Tracking and Copyright Protection: If an unauthorized user shares or misuses an image, the embedded watermark can be extracted using forensic tools to trace back to the original downloader, aiding in copyright enforcement, digital rights management (DRM), and legal actions against unauthorized distribution.
- Security and Privacy Features: The system can implement blockchain technology to securely log watermark data, ensuring tamper-proof verification, and provides users the option to control watermarking settings based on their privacy preferences.
- Prevention of Image Misuse and Cybercrime: The system reduces cases of identity theft, deepfake creation, and revenge porn by enabling traceability of unauthorized image usage, helping protect individuals from stalking and cyber harassment.
- Enhanced Digital Privacy and Ownership Rights: Users are empowered to maintain ownership of their photos even after sharing them on social media, encouraging ethical content sharing while discouraging unauthorized downloads.
- Impact on Content Creators and Businesses: Artists, photographers, and digital content creators can protect their work from theft or unauthorized republishing, while influencers and businesses can safeguard their brand assets and prevent content duplication.
- Legal and Ethical Implications: The system encourages social media companies to take responsibility for user content protection and supports law enforcement in tracking down offenders involved in image-based cybercrimes.
Future Research Plans:
- AI-Powered Watermarking and Deep Learning for Image Security
- Blockchain-Based Digital Rights Management (DRM) for Image Ownership
- Cross-Platform Compatibility & Social Media API Integration
Link to publication: https://search.ipindia.gov.in/IPOJournal/Journal/Patent
