As AI generated or altered images become more sophisticated, it is getting harder than ever to work out what is fake news. The Atom H1 is a new tool to enable photographers to create signed, secure and trustworthy images so you can know what’s real and what’s not.
Tackling fake images
The Atom H1 is made by Atom Images, a company founded by former MIT research physicist Stuart Sevier. While some companies have been using AI to try to detect fake images, Sevier has approached the issue from another angle. Sevier told PetaPixel, “Instead of trying to label and detect fake stuff, we needed to market things as real from the beginning and then encode the original screen captures and who made them, then make a flexible format so it could be passed around and edited.”
Atom H1
This is a compact device designed for you to mount it on your camera’s hot shoe. It’s also made out of aluminum so it’s lightweight at under 8.5 ounces (240 g). The Atom H1 connects to your camera via USB and the company supplies the correct cable when you order. In addition, you get two high-capacity, rechargeable Li batteries and a charger. The company says that you should get over four hours use on a single charge.
How does it work?
The device works on the basis that every camera’s image sensor has slight differences. When you first connect the H1 to your camera you need to take a series of calibration photos. These images are what the H1 uses to learn how to recognize your camera’s unique fingerprint. Then, when you take a photo, the H1 uses its internal model of your camera’s fingerprint to guarantee each image you take is authentic. In addition, the essential elements of the photo are cryptographically bound to the image file as a permanent reality check. Finally, all the files are copied to an SD card.
Atom RIP
The Atom H1 is only part of the solution. Atom Images has its own image hosting site called Atom RIP (Real Image Platform). You can set up your own profile to start uploading and sharing your images. Images can then be downloaded, shared or securely embedded anywhere online. However, they will also be marked with Atom Images badging. This ensures your images are real and unaltered wherever they are used. In addition, you can enable image use tracking to protect your digital assets from misuse and theft.
What cameras can you use?
Atom Images says that the H1 is compatible with all Canon, Nikon and Sony cameras released in the past 4 years. This includes most of the Sony Alpha series, Nikon D&Z series and Canon D&R series cameras. When you place an order, you need to tell the company what camera you use. They will then check so that they can ensure compatibility.
What we think
The Atom H1 is a new approach to tackling the issue of AI and deepfake images. Using the fingerprint of your camera’s sensor to identify your photos can highlight even minute changes to an image. One limitation of the technology at this stage is that you have to store your photos on Atom’s own RIP site. However, the company is a member of the Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI). The CAI was founded by Adobe back in 2019 and now has more than 3,700 members. These include global social media platforms, generative AI platforms, news organizations, major tech companies, and all “Big Five” camera manufacturers. If the technology behind the Atom H1 is adopted more widely across the industry, it might become a useful weapon in the fight against deepfakes.
Pricing and availability
The Atom H1 is available to preorder now. Until December 2nd you can take advantage of an early bird price and pick up the H1 for $239, a saving of 20%. After that date, it will cost $299. Atom Images says the H1 will start shipping in early 2025.
