How to control digital image assets online

In today's digital age, companies deeply invested in their brand's image face continuous challenges in maintaining control over their visual assets. This is especially true for entities within the certification, label, and award industries. Historically, visual materials such as logos and trademark content were easily accessible on company websites, allowing unauthorized individuals to download and utilize these assets without permission. This lack of control not only diluted the company's brand image but also potentially led to revenue losses due to the unauthorized use of copyrighted materials.

What solutions are out there?

Several strategies have emerged to combat this issue, each with its own set of advantages and challenges:

Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs): NFTs represent a novel approach, leveraging blockchain technology to create unique, indivisible tokens that can signify ownership of digital assets. Although they offer a promising solution for securing digital assets, their integration with current internet infrastructure remains in its infancy. Additionally, the environmental cost associated with blockchain operations poses a significant barrier to widespread adoption. The energy-intensive nature of NFT transactions may deem them impractical for companies prioritizing sustainability.

Proactive Tracking and Detection: Another method involves continuously monitoring the internet for unauthorized use of digital images and assets. Tools such as Google's reverse image search offer a cost-effective means of tracking, though they may not cover all bases. Alternative reverse image search services provide more comprehensive solutions but come with higher costs, around $1000 per month, and still cannot guarantee foolproof protection. Rapid website creation and content uploading mean that assets can be misused faster than detection technologies can identify them.

Authenticated Image Distribution: The most promising solution appears to be the distribution of authenticated images. This approach utilizes the Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI) and the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA) standards, which embed a manifest directly into the image file. This manifest provides the information that the image is sourced and originated by its rightful owner and has remained unaltered. Such technology not only promises to secure digital assets but also enhances the ability of internet users to discern between legitimately used images and those utilized without permission.

Our commitment lies in advancing the third solution with our current development. By employing the CAI standards and optimizing the dynamic delivery of images across the internet's current infrastructure, we aim to establish a more secure and trustworthy digital environment. This initiative, combined with efforts to educate internet users about the importance of verified digital content, stands to significantly mitigate the unauthorized use of digital assets. By adopting these measures, companies can protect their brand image, safeguard their revenue streams, and ensure that their digital assets are used in alignment with their values and objectives.