ProductJP

Image Similarity Checker

Hakuhodo tool that screens AI-generated ad creative for similarity to existing images.

Hakuhodo announced client access to Image Similarity Checker on 19 October 2026. It finds comparable images online and records checks, while leaving the final copyright judgement with the client.

Last refreshed: 22 October 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic

Timeline for Image Similarity Checker

#13 19 Oct

Hakuhodo sells AI image copyright check

Media's AI Pivot

#13 13 Oct

Mentioned in: Publicis credits AI, names no AI product

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Background

Image Similarity Checker helps companies review generated images by finding similar material on the web. Hakuhodo developed the tool for use within its group before offering it to client businesses. It compares images using several approaches and presents scores intended to help reviewers assess similarities. The tool can also generate search terms from image features to assist the search. [Hakuhodo product announcement](https://www.Hakuhodo.co.jp/news/newsrelease/267420/).

The business version includes authentication, audit logs and reports. Those functions let a company keep a record of who checked an image and the result of that check. Hakuhodo explicitly limits the tool’s role to supporting comparison: a similarity result is not a determination of copyright infringement. The client remains responsible for the final rights decision.

Common Questions

How does Image Similarity Checker review an image?

It searches for similar images online and displays comparison scores.Source: Hakuhodo

What does Image Similarity Checker decide about copyright?

It does not decide infringement; Hakuhodo leaves the final rights judgement to the client.Source: Hakuhodo

What records can companies keep from the check?

The service provides audit logs and exportable reports.Source: Hakuhodo

Source Material

Image Similarity Checker client launch

How the World Sees Them

Publicis Groupe

rising demand for AI-powered products and services

Hakuhodo

does not determine whether copyright infringement has occurred

Lisa Nandy

would not automatically give Sky material influence

Australian Broadcasting Corporation

This unequal treatment will accelerate the cannibalisation of the Australian news industry.

Postmedia, Torstar, The Globe and Mail and The Canadian Press

substantially and unjustly enriched

USA Today Co.

did not suppress output of content from any entity that had not sued it

Fameplay

After a successful debut during the 2026 World Cup, AILA is now becoming a permanent part of what we do.

Time and the agent-advertising camp

This is a growing traffic source, and therefore a growing source of inventory that we believe has huge value if we can continue to develop this product.

European Commission

Even though adherence to the code is voluntary, the transparency requirements under article 50 of the AI Act are legal obligations.

Written with AI from Lowdown's published reporting. Not individually reviewed by an editor. Updated 22 October 2026. Editorial standards.