Search Giant Baidu Unveils Blockchain Photo Platform

Chinese search giant Baidu has launched a blockchain-based stock photo service in bid to protect image intellectual property in China.

AccessTimeIconApr 12, 2018 at 6:00 a.m. UTC
Updated Sep 13, 2021 at 7:48 a.m. UTC
10 Years of Decentralizing the Future
May 29-31, 2024 - Austin, TexasThe biggest and most established global hub for everything crypto, blockchain and Web3.Register Now

Chinese internet search giant Baidu has launched a blockchain-based stock photo service in bid to protect image intellectual property in China.

The service, called Totem, went online Wednesday and uses a blockchain to timestamp submissions of each original photograph from a user with a real-name identity and store data associated with the images on a distributed network.

With Baidu's existing capacity in internet data scraping and artificial intelligence, the platform says that, by comparing images that are circulated over the internet with data stored in a traceable blockchain, it would be able to substantiate allegations of intellectual property infringement.

Currently, according to the new site, several traditional stock photo services have also moved onto the platform, including notable services such as Visual China Group, a local partner of the stock photo giant Getty Images.

While it remains unclear whether the platform is being built on a public blockchain or a private one, it marks yet another effort by Baidu, often considered the "Chinese Google," in its push for blockchain adoption.

The new launch comes just months after the firm introduced its blockchain-as-a-service platform in January, following which it launched a CryptoKitties knock-off dubbed Laici Go, as reported by CoinDesk.

This isn't the first time that an established technology firm has looked to blockchain to solve the intellectual property issue for digital media assets.

, the noted U.S. imaging technology firm, made headlines in recent months by claiming it would issue its own cryptocurrency over a blockchain that would underpin the unique property rights of photograph ownership.

Baidu image via Shutterstock

Disclosure

Please note that our privacy policy, terms of use, cookies, and do not sell my personal information has been updated.

CoinDesk is an award-winning media outlet that covers the cryptocurrency industry. Its journalists abide by a strict set of editorial policies. In November 2023, CoinDesk was acquired by the Bullish group, owner of Bullish, a regulated, digital assets exchange. The Bullish group is majority-owned by Block.one; both companies have interests in a variety of blockchain and digital asset businesses and significant holdings of digital assets, including bitcoin. CoinDesk operates as an independent subsidiary with an editorial committee to protect journalistic independence. CoinDesk employees, including journalists, may receive options in the Bullish group as part of their compensation.


Learn more about Consensus 2024, CoinDesk's longest-running and most influential event that brings together all sides of crypto, blockchain and Web3. Head to consensus.coindesk.com to register and buy your pass now.