The deliberate manipulation of images has been part of paranormal photography since its inception, from darkroom tricks to modern editing software, and it remains one of the biggest challenges when assessing visual evidence. Recently, AI has added to the problem.

What makes AI different from tricks like double exposure or copy-and-pasting elements into images, is that it removes the need for specialist tools or technical skill. With a few prompts, anyone can generate a ghost, UFO or shadow figure without ever taking a real photograph.

Traditional image editing required skill and time. Today, AI can remove objects, add shadows, create faces, and extend backgrounds with a single prompt. Even subtle forms of manipulation - such as brightening an area, sharpening a shape, or altering proportions - can now be automated in ways that leave little trace.

As these tools become more common, investigators need to understand how AI imagery behaves, how to spot...