Use provenance, reverse-image search, and context rather than trusting visual clues alone.
Find an early source
Search for the image or distinctive crops and compare original dates and captions.
Inspect provenance
Creator details or content credentials can help; their absence does not prove AI generation.
Treat visual artifacts cautiously
Odd details can raise questions but are not proof, and editing can change them.
Verify the event separately
Look for reliable reporting, the original photographer, and other images from the same event.
Be cautious with detectors
Detector scores can be wrong, especially after resizing or editing. Do not rely on them alone for accusations.
Editorial note: This guide is for general educational purposes. Verify important claims with authoritative sources before publication or action.