# ZK-JPEG: Zero-knowledge Image Editing and Compression

> New tool proves JPEG images were taken with real cameras
- Title: ZK-JPEG: Zero-knowledge Image Editing and Compression · Iacr
- Summary: New tool proves JPEG images were taken with real cameras ZK-JPEG compresses images while proving they came from physical cameras
- Keywords: zkjpeg, zero-knowledge proofs, image provenance, verifiable image editing, jpeg compression, stealth software technologies, university of vermont, picozk, technology, startups, ZK-JPEG, Zero-knowledge
- Source: Iacr — https://eprint.iacr.org/2026/2039
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: zkjpeg, zero-knowledge proofs, image provenance, verifiable image editing, jpeg compression, stealth software technologies, university of vermont, picozk, technology, startups
## Real camera proof
ZK-JPEG proves images came from physical cameras during compression

> Tools for generating deep fake photographs are proliferating with greater ease of use
## Deep fake threat
Deep fake photos are becoming easier to create and spread in pop culture
## Current solution fails
Existing image authentication tools break when images are compressed

> Prior works use zero-knowledge to prove a published image's edit history
## New tool works
ZK-JPEG compresses images while proving they came from real cameras

> Our system is fast, flexible, and can be instantiated from off-the-shelf ZK tools
## How it works
Uses PicoZK to convert image editing code into zero-knowledge proofs
## Key takeaway

ZK-JPEG compresses images while proving they came from physical cameras