Summary
A browser extension (Chrome, Firefox, Safari) designed to assist journalists, fact-checkers, and human rights defenders in efficiently verifying videos and images on social networks. The plugin integrates reverse image search, keyframe extraction, metadata inspection, forensic filters, and social media query tools into a single verification workflow.
Key capabilities
- Reverse image search: Query Google, Baidu, or Yandex from within the browser.
- Video fragmentation: Extract keyframes from Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and Daily Motion videos.
- Image and keyframe enhancement: Magnifying lens for detailed inspection; forensic filters for still-image analysis.
- Metadata inspection: Extract and examine EXIF and other metadata from images and videos.
- Social media queries: Enhanced Twitter search with time-interval and filter support; contextual information retrieval from Facebook and YouTube videos.
- Multi-language support: Available in English, French, Spanish, Greek, Italian, Arabic, German, and Japanese.
Architecture
Built as a React + Redux browser extension using the WXT (Web Extension Tools) framework with Vite for fast builds. Modular integration of external forensic and analysis APIs (keyframe processing, deepfake detection, location inference, semantic search, and reverse image search services).
Use cases
- Newsroom fact-checking and verification workflows
- Investigative journalism (video and image authentication)
- Misinformation and disinformation detection during breaking news
- Human rights documentation and open-source investigations
- Researcher access to verification methodologies in academic settings
Notes
Initially developed by the InVID project (2016–2018) as a response to the challenges of verifying viral social media content during high-profile incidents. Substantially enhanced by the WeVerify project (2018–2021) to expand forensic capabilities and cross-platform support. The project remains actively maintained under the vera.ai umbrella, with regular updates and community contributions encouraged. Full contributing guidelines and code of conduct available in the repository.