Sony’s Camera Verify feature was designed as part of its Camera Authenticity Solution for news organisations. The beta feature enables external sharing of image authenticity information via a dedicated URL.
This feature was developed to help news organisations address the growing challenge of verifying the authenticity of digital images in the age of generative AI. The Image Validation Site (paid service) provided by Sony will initially be offered to select news organisations. Service availability varies by region/country.
Compatible camera models for this digital signature license are:
- Alpha 1 II (Ver.2.00 or later)
- Alpha 1 (Ver.3.00 or later)
- Alpha 9 III (Ver.3.00 or later)
- Alpha 7S III (Ver.4.00 or later)
- Alpha 7 IV (Ver.5.00 or later)
As AI-generated and manipulated content becomes increasingly sophisticated, the need for trusted, verifiable imagery has never been greater, especially for media professionals. Sony’s Camera Authenticity Solution is designed to meet this need by embedding C2PA (Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity) digital signatures and Sony’s proprietary 3D depth information directly into the image at the moment of capture.
This solution records C2PA digital signatures and Sony’s proprietary 3D depth information in the camera at the moment of capture, allowing the image’s authenticity information to be verified on the Image Validation site. With the newly added “Camera Verify” (beta), news organisations can now issue external sharing URLs for images with embedded digital signatures, allowing third parties to view verification results through reliable URLs directly issued by the verification site. With this feature, organisations can select specific authenticity items to share during the content publication and distribution process, enabling faster dissemination of credible, verifiable content.
When an image is captured, a digital signature is created by the camera to prove that the image was captured by the camera and is added to the captured image in real time. A Digital Signature Upgrade License needs to be obtained, activated, and used to verify that the image was taken with the camera. Only JPEG/RAW (.ARW) format still images are supported.
In addition, the Digital Signature License, which allows for embedding digital signatures directly into images captured with supported Sony cameras, is now available for purchase via the Creators’ Cloud website.
Verification of shoot using a camera
Sony’s authenticity verification technology verifies that an image was shot using a camera, not generated by AI. A digital signature is created in-camera at the time of capture and embedded in the captured image in real time. The keys used for digital signatures are securely held in the hardware chipset, providing a high level of security. Verification of this digital signature verifies that the image was captured by an actual camera.
Highly accurate verification that a real-life subject was captured
A digital signature alone cannot determine whether the captured image is of an actual 3D subject, or of an image or video projected on a high-definition monitor. However, by using metadata including 3D depth information, it is possible to verify the authenticity of images with a high degree of accuracy.
By using cameras from Sony, both the image and the 3D depth information can be captured on the sensor along the single light axis, providing information of high authenticity.
The date and time of image capture can also be verified, as a highly secure server-acquired time is attached to the image. This is tamper-proof and cannot be changed.
Ensuring transparent editing history in compliance with C2PA format
The use of C2PA-compatible apps or software can ensure the transparency of the editing history in C2PA format. By retaining the digital signature embedded in the camera and preserving the history of post-shooting edits, the authenticity of the image can be verified at a high level.
Camera Verify (Beta)*
After verifying the authenticity of images taken with C2PA digital signatures through 3D Detection and Modification Analysis, a Camera Verify report can be issued to access the results of the authenticity verification.
News organisations can include the URL for the Camera Verify report in their websites to help support the authenticity of images.
- *This is a beta version, available for a limited time until the official release. Please note the following as this service is still under development:
- ・The functionality and names of the features may change when the service is officially released.
- ・Files uploaded and created using the beta version will be automatically migrated to the officially released service. If you use the beta version, you will not be automatically charged when the official version is released.
- ・Please be advised that the subsequent release of the official version of the service is not guaranteed.
Camera Authenticity Solution support for video (after Fall 2025)
Sony plans to expand support for video content after autumn 2025 as part of its ongoing commitment to promoting trusted digital media. Alongside its activities on the C2PA steering committee, Sony aims to further improve content reliability in the media field. By supporting video authenticity, we aim to contribute to enhancing the reliability of video imagery in news and journalism.