FAKE IMAGE
DETECTION SYSTEM
Digital Image Forensics

A Transparent Approach to Authenticity

Presented by Bilal Ahmad

## The Authenticity Crisis

In an era of deepfakes and AI filters, seeing is no longer believing.

- The Threat: Misinformation spreads instantly.
- The Limit: Current AI detectors are "Black Boxes"—expensive & unexplainable.
- The Need: A transparent, mobile-first forensic tool.

# A Three-Tier Solution

Frontend • Authentication • Forensic Backend

## Project Objectives

### Mobile First

Develop a Flutter app for accessible, on-the-go verification.

### Forensics

Use ELA (Error Level Analysis) & Metadata, not just opaque AI.

### Deployment

Deploy a real PHP/MySQL backend on a custom domain.

### Clarity

Provide visual proof of why an image is fake.

## System Workflow

1

#### Upload

User selects image via Flutter App.

2

#### Process

Server runs ELA & EXIF checks.

3

#### Score

Forensic tests calculate trust score.

4

#### Result

App shows "Real" or "Fake" with visual map.

## System Architecture

Flutter App
User Interface
Image Picker
Result Visualization
Firebase
Secure Login
User Session
Real-time Auth
Custom Server
PHP + MySQL
Forensic Algorithms
Hosting
Separation of concerns ensures security and scalability.

## Why Forensics?

### Black-Box AI

- ❌ High GPU Costs
- ❌ No Explanation provided
- ❌ Requires huge datasets

### Digital Forensics (Ours)

- ✅ Lightweight (CPU only)
- ✅ Explainable (See the edits)
- ✅ Works on shared hosting

## Project Uniqueness

### No "Black Boxes"

Pure mathematical analysis (ELA) instead of guessing. We show you where the image was touched.

### Real Deployment

Not just localhost. Fully deployed on a custom domain with a real database connection.

### Cost Effective

Runs efficiently on low-cost shared hosting without needing expensive GPU cloud clusters.

### Hybrid Stack

Seamlessly combines modern Flutter UI with robust, legacy-compatible PHP backend logic.

## Technology Stack

Component | Technology
--- | ---
Frontend | Flutter SDK (Dart)
Backend | PHP (GD Library / Imagick)
Database | MySQL
Auth | Firebase Authentication

## Execution Plan

### Phase 1: Foundation

Week 1 & 2

UI Design, Firebase Setup, Core PHP Forensic Scripts.

### Phase 2: Integration

Week 3 & 4

API Linking, Result Visualization, Live Deployment.

## Expected Outcomes

- Functional Mobile App
- Verified Backend Logic
- Public Awareness Tool
- Academic Defense Ready