Analyzing the Original Image Metadata — Analyzing the Original Image Metadata

To determine if a photograph is being used out of context, researchers can check its official publication timeline. S. Copyright Office, a photograph is considered published on the date copies are first distributed to the public or offered for further distribution or public display.

When copyright owners register a group of published photographs, they must specify both the earliest and latest publication dates. Comparing these official registration dates with the claims in an advertisement can expose visual mismatches.