I had an interesting chat the other day with Image Angel, a digital image protection company, about their invisible watermarking technology designed to protect sex workers from unauthorised copying and sharing of our content.

What is Image Angel?

Image Angel is a tool that websites install to protect digital content. It works by deterring clients from sharing content without permission because they can be identified and held accountable if they do.

How is this technology helpful for sex workers?

Image Angel helps sex workers by adding an invisible marker to their content that identifies clients who share images without permission. This traceable marker acts as a strong deterrent against unauthorized sharing, as clients know they can be held accountable, helping protect the creator’s work and maintain control.

Can anyone install it?

No, Image Angel is designed for content-sharing platforms, websites, or companies to install. They pay for the service to be integrated into their systems. This allows them to protect creators' content, comply with online safety regulations, and enhance the safety of their platforms.

Why can Image Angel only be installed at the platform level?

Embedding an invisible fingerprint automatically when content is downloaded or accessed by the client happens server-side. This ensures consistent protection for all content without requiring individual users to manually apply or manage it.

Who can see the client’s information in the image?

To the human eye, it’s invisible. If there’s been a leak, Image Angel can extract the platform data and pass on that information to the platform to trace. If the creator wants to pursue the issue, the platform and Image Angel then work together to find the best outcome or course of action to hold the individual accountable for the image misuse.

What kind of resolutions can come from opening a case?

When a case is opened, the content creator remains in full control and can choose resolutions such as removing the leaked content, identifying the source of the unauthorized sharing, pursuing legal action, or holding the offender accountable through platform penalties. These kinds of outcomes empower creators and platforms to regain control, hold offenders accountable, and prevent further misuse.

How is Image Angel's watermarking technology superior to using reverse image search tools like Google Lens, PimEyes, or TinEye in terms of proactively protecting creators' content and addressing unauthorized use?

Image Angel’s watermarking technology gives creators stronger protection than image search tools by tackling problems before they happen, not after.

An invisible fingerprint is added when content is viewed, creating a clear link back to the source as soon as the image is opened or downloaded. This means unauthorized use can be prevented right from the start, unlike reverse image searches, which only find content once it’s already been misused.

If Image Angel detects unauthorized use of a watermarked image, will the owner receive an alert?

While Image Angel doesn’t offer real-time alerts for unauthorized use, we do have a dedicated support system to assist creators should the worst happen. If misuse happens, our team can help trace the fingerprint back to its source, providing crucial evidence for addressing the issue.

What is the process for having the content removed?

Our goal is to make sure those who fall victim to this feel supported, protected, and back in control of their content as quickly as possible. Image Angel offers a clear process to support creators in having the content removed, with a focus on evidence collection, support, and bespoke survivor-led resolution.

Would the presence of the watermark be sufficient proof of ownership for a takedown request, or would creators need to provide additional evidence such as raw files or identity documents?

While the watermark establishes guardianship of the image (showing it originated from a specific source), takedown requests often require stronger evidence to confirm actual ownership or rights over the content. Image Angel’s invisible watermark can add credibility to claims by providing traceable, tamper-proof data showing the image’s origin and timeline. This could help corroborate and support cases of repeat image-based violence rather than serve as standalone proof of image ownership.

Does Image Angel comply with the C2PA (Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity) standard?

It's better! C2PA data is generally stripped from an asset when it’s sent via a website like OnlyFans or WhatsApp, so even with this standard, images can be easily taken and repurposed. The principles of Image Angel's technology—embedding invisible watermarks to establish guardianship—align closely with the goals of the C2PA, which are to ensure transparency, provenance, and authenticity of digital content but cannot be removed unlike C2PA. Because Image Angel’s fingerprint is within the image, not attached to it, it also remains if the content is screenshotted, unlike C2PA data.

Could Image Angel’s watermarking technology be adapted to function as a proof-of-authenticity tool for verifying that content is genuine and not a deepfake?

By adding invisible watermarks that include details like who created the content, when it was made, and where it came from, Image Angel can create a unique digital "fingerprint" for each image or video. This fingerprint makes it easier for platforms, users, and authorities to check if the content is real or has been altered, helping to spot fakes and confirm authenticity. However, in cases involving sex work, including too much identifying information could risk the creator’s anonymity, which is critical for their safety and privacy. This is why we choose to embed the client’s data to act as a deterrent against sharing.

What current, emerging, and future digital privacy concerns (e.g., deepfakes, catfishing, deposit scams, scrapers, etc.) should sex workers be aware of, and how can Image Angel's technology help protect our content?

Technology is advancing rapidly, and while new challenges like content theft and deepfakes emerge, innovative solutions are keeping pace. There will always be bad actors, but tools like Image Angel are helping to protect creators and shift behaviors toward a safer, more respectful online world.

Image Angel’s invisible watermarking acts as a powerful deterrent, making clients think twice before sharing content without permission because they know it can be traced back to them. This accountability helps shift behaviors over time, encouraging a culture of respect and consent. Combined with stronger online safety laws that hold platforms and offenders responsible, these changes can create safer online spaces where sex workers have more control, confidence, and security over their work.

Additionally, what other steps would you recommend we take to safeguard our digital assets effectively?

Choose your platforms wisely! It’s important to share content on platforms that prioritize privacy, have tools to block content scraping, and act quickly to remove stolen or misused material. Look for platforms with strong user protections, clear policies on unauthorized sharing, and systems like user verification to reduce scams and impersonation. Don’t be afraid to move to another platform if your current one isn’t providing the safety or support you need. Using multiple platforms can also help diversify your income, reach new audiences, and reduce reliance on any single service. By choosing wisely and staying flexible, you can better protect your content and have more control over where and how it’s shared.