A seemingly innocent family photograph released to mark Mother’s Day in the UK earlier this month sparked a row that dominated news headlines and social media around the world.

Britain’s Prince William snapped the photo and his wife, Princess Catherine, edited it. However, the changes were spotted by news agencies and individuals alike, renewing discussions about fake photography versus innocent or well-intended photo tinkering.

Following the controversy, Kate Middleton released a statement saying she was merely experimenting with editing “like many amateur photographers.”

The risks associated with doctored pictures are rapidly increasing – and with potentially much more severe consequences.

To address these risks, a technology and security engineering specialist has created a system to verify images.

Cambridge University Researcher, Dr. Mansoor Ahmed Rengers, has said the company he founded, OpenOrigins, provides an invaluable tool to the news industry, insurance companies, and beyond, when it comes to confirming the truth behind an image.

Rengers joined Al Arabiya English’s Riz Khan to discuss doctored images, fake photographs, and the potential consequences.