Apple releases image verification that preserves photographer anonymity

Apple has released Reference Image, a system that verifies whether a photograph is exactly as captured by a newer iPhone without identifying the phone or photographer, Schneier on Security reports. It can also verify that multiple images came from the same iPhone. Apple says its signing service authenticates images after validation through its private cloud computing system, which prevents Apple from accessing image data. A private revocation record links photo identifiers to sensors, while devices check validity locally without revealing which photograph they are viewing. The system works only on newer iPhone models.