As local newspapers continue to go out of business, researchers are turning to artificial intelligence to preserve historic image archives.

A research team from Northeastern University used the Boston Globe’s photo morgue to test how machine learning can help digitally archive photo collections. With AI, the researchers were able to identify image content, estimate dates, attribute photos to specific photographers, and blur faces to protect privacy (whether automatically blurring faces is a good thing or not – particularly of photos taken in public places and many with credible news value – is up for discussion!).

The technology also helped address questions related to intellectual property rights.

The takeaway: Technology like AI can be a viable option for saving troves of images that reflect rich history, people, and times of community throughout the country.

You can read the study here.

Posted: April 24, 2025
Category: Brechner News
Tagged as: Brechner FOI Project, Brechner Freedom of Information Project, FOI