AI-Generated Images Pose Growing Challenge for Authenticity Detection

A recent study has highlighted the difficulty of distinguishing between real and AI-generated images, with some experts suggesting that it’s now a coin flip. A survey conducted by an identity verification company found that Americans’ ability to accurately identify authentic images versus those created using artificial intelligence is roughly equivalent to chance. To test this finding, CBS LA Consumer Investigator Kristine Lazar took part in an online quiz designed to detect AI-generated content.

Lazar’s experience was telling: despite her extensive background as a consumer investigator, she initially scored only three out of 12 on the quiz before receiving guidance from experts at Veriff, an online identity verification tool. The company created the quiz using side-by-side images and videos to test Lazar’s ability to identify authentic content versus AI-generated material.

Initially, Lazar felt confident in her choices but quickly discovered that many of her assumptions were incorrect. For instance, she initially believed one person was clearly a fake, only to learn later that they were actually real. This experience is consistent with the findings from Veriff’s survey, which suggests that people are often unable to make an accurate distinction between authentic and AI-generated content.

Raul Liive, Veriff’s product director, notes that this lack of accuracy is not due to a lack of effort on the part of individuals but rather the significant improvement in AI technology over recent years. ‘The quality has improved so much,’ he said. ‘It used to be pretty simple because fingers were missing or eyes were weird, but right now, it’s just not that easy.’

Instead of relying on obvious visual flaws such as distorted features or unnatural textures, Liive recommends closely examining facial features for subtle inconsistencies and unusual patterns. Videos can also provide clues, including limited blinking, inconsistent movement speeds, or clothing patterns that blend unnaturally into the background.

After receiving guidance from Liive, Lazar retook the quiz and improved her score significantly, correctly identifying eight out of 12 images and videos. Her experience underscores the importance of using AI-powered detection tools or specialized verification apps to help determine whether an image or video is authentic rather than relying solely on visual cues.

Even experts who work with AI every day are not able to identify every fake image without additional tools, Liive noted. This highlights the need for businesses and individuals alike to adopt comprehensive strategies for detecting AI-generated content.