NFI tests PhotoDNA by Microsoft
The Netherlands Forensic Institute (NFI) is investigating the possibilities of the PhotoDNA programme. This software, developed by Microsoft, speeds up the process of searching through large collections of images and can therefore improve the efficiency of investigations into child abuse images (child pornography).
Improving investigation methods, such as those used to search for child pornography, is an important aspect of the NFI's research. Worldwide the NFI is the only government organisation with a licence to evaluate and supplement the PhotoDNA programme.
The same image, a different file type
PhotoDNA makes it possible to find the same images despite differences in size or file type. In large collections of photos, the same photo is often saved as different file types and in various sizes, for example by editing, moving and scaling down the image. The software makes it easier to compare large collections of data and exchange them when searching for identical images.
It also makes it possible to recognise an image in a series and to trace it to that series. Links between cases and child pornography networks can also be found and mapped out more quickly.
Investigation and prosecution
At the moment, PhotoDNA can be used during the investigation phase. The NFI is working to obtain the required validation which would enable the results to be used in the context of providing evidence. The NFI is also investigating the possibilities of combining software with existing tools such as Xiraf and Sieve. These applications can very rapidly filter data from all kinds of equipment and/or make the data searchable.
International
The programme is already used in the United States by Facebook and Flickr to compare uploaded photos with the database of the National Child Victim Identification Program.
Software giant Microsoft recently announced that the PhotoDNA programme is to be made available to law enforcement agencies worldwide. They will be able to use the software free of charge.
NFI and Microsoft
In 2010, the NFI and Microsoft agreed a Memorandum of Understanding, which provides a framework for setting up joint research projects. The aim of the cooperation is to boost the development of cyber forensics which, globally, is a rapidly expanding field of research.