How can you use reverse image search to verify images in journalism?

1 Why use reverse image search?

Reverse image search can help you verify images in journalism for several reasons. First, it can help you identify the author, copyright, and license of an image, and avoid plagiarism or legal issues. Second, it can help you find the original or earliest version of an image, and compare it with other versions that may have been altered, cropped, or edited. Third, it can help you locate the geographical and temporal context of an image, and confirm or debunk claims about when and where it was taken. Fourth, it can help you discover other sources, stories, or perspectives related to an image, and enrich your reporting or analysis.

2 How to use reverse image search?

There are different tools and platforms that offer reverse image search functionality. Some of the most popular ones are Google Images, TinEye, Yandex Images, Bing Visual Search, and Baidu Images. To use reverse image search, you need to either upload an image file or paste an image URL to the search engine of your choice. Then, you will see a list of results that show where the image appears on the web, along with other similar or related images. You can also use filters or advanced options to narrow down your search by size, color, date, domain, or other criteria.

3 What to look for in reverse image search results?

When verifying images in journalism, reverse image search can be a useful tool, but you need to look for certain indicators of reliability and relevance. These include the source, date, location, and context of the image. You should assess the credibility and reputation of the website or platform where the image appears, as well as the date when it was published or uploaded. Additionally, it's important to check if the location is consistent with the geographical features visible in the image and if the context is relevant to your story. Finally, you should look for any signs of manipulation, distortion, or fabrication. All these indicators can help you determine if an image is trustworthy or not.

4 What are the limitations of reverse image search?

Reverse image search is a useful technique for verifying images in journalism, but it is not foolproof or comprehensive. There are some limitations and challenges that you need to be aware of and overcome, such as the quality of the image, the availability on the web, and the interpretation of the results. The quality of an image can affect the accuracy and effectiveness of a reverse image search; low-resolution, blurry, or noisy images can reduce the chances of finding a match or a similar image, while high-resolution, clear, or unique images can increase the chances but may also be more susceptible to manipulation or editing. The availability of an image on the web can affect the scope and diversity of the reverse image search results; some images may not be indexed or crawled by search engines, while others may be widely circulated or duplicated. And finally, interpreting an image and its reverse image search results can affect its validity and relevance; using critical thinking, judgment, and ethical standards is essential for evaluating information and evidence found. Corroborating and cross-checking with other sources, methods, and tools is also advised.

5 How to improve your reverse image search skills?

Reverse image search is a skill that you can hone with practice and experience. To improve your search, experiment with different tools and platforms to compare their features, functions, and results. Utilize filters, options, and shortcuts to optimize your search. Additionally, follow the best practices and guidelines for verifying images in journalism from sources such as First Draft, Verification Handbook, or Poynter. To gain further insight, study examples and case studies of how other journalists and fact-checkers use reverse image search in various scenarios from GIJN, Bellingcat, or BBC. Finally, test your skills with quizzes and challenges from Factitious, MediaWise, or EAVI.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?