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Considerations for Implementing Morph Detection in Operations
Published
Author(s)
Mei Ngan, Patrick Grother
Abstract
Morphing of face photographs present a threat to identity processes; for example, two people being able to use one passport. The threat exists in applications that allow users to submit their own photos where digital history is unknown. The threat can be reduced significantly if photo capture is trusted. When that cannot be implemented, software-based morph detection algorithms can be deployed. While automated morph detection has its strengths and weaknesses, independent benchmarks suggest that some morph detectors are now accurate enough to have operational utility. This document guides organizations in detecting, then investigating morphed face photographs in their operational settings.
Ngan, M.
and Grother, P.
(2025),
Considerations for Implementing Morph Detection in Operations, NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.IR.8584, https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=960255
(Accessed October 1, 2025)