Enhancing Digital Image Forensics with Error Level Analysis (ELA)

Today, visual content’s integrity is increasingly important. This paper focuses on Error Level Analysis (ELA), a pivotal technique in digital image forensics for detecting digital alterations in images. ELA analyzes variations in compression levels to identify inconsistencies that suggest manipulation. This paper outlines the fundamentals of ELA and its application in detecting forgeries. Also, it explores its integration with artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies to enhance forensic accuracy. The paper discusses the evolution of image manipulation techniques and the corresponding advancements in ELA that address these challenges. Also, the paper highlights recent innovations in ELA that improve its effectiveness and adaptability in the forensic investigation of digital images. In the end, it concludes with the prospective enhancements in forensic methods, emphasizing the necessity of ELA in maintaining digital authenticity in an era increasingly dominated by sophisticated image manipulation techniques.