Method and apparatus for authenticating video content

An apparatus for authenticating video content, comprising:

• an input module configured to receive a digital signature, an unsecured video fingerprint, and an unsecured video content from a transmitting node via a communication network;
• a fingerprint verification module configured to determine if the digital signature is consistent with the unsecured video fingerprint to verify the unsecured video fingerprint;
• a content verification module configured to determine if the unsecured video fingerprint is consistent with the unsecured video content to verify the unsecured video content in a manner that tolerates a predetermined measure of loss in the unsecured video content;
• and
• a controller module in operative communication with the input module, fingerprint verification module, and content verification module and configured to control operations such that, if the unsecured video fingerprint and the unsecured video content are verified, the unsecured video content is authenticated for subsequent use.
• wherein the unsecured video fingerprint is a received version of an original video fingerprint, wherein the original video fingerprint is derived from an original video content using a fingerprinting algorithm prior to transmission of the original video fingerprint by the transmitting node.

A method for authenticating video content, comprising:

• receiving a video content from a source device;
• generating a video fingerprint by processing the video content using a fingerprinting algorithm;
• processing the video fingerprint using a hashing algorithm to obtain an original hash value;
• encrypting the original hash value using an encryption algorithm and a private key to obtain a digital signature relating to the original hash value;
• at least temporarily storing the digital signature, video fingerprint, and video content in a storage device at a transmitting node;
• and
• transmitting the digital signature, video fingerprint, and video content from the transmitting node to a receiving node in a communication network in one or more communication sessions.

A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing first program instructions that, when executed by a first computer, cause a computer-controlled receiving node associated with a communication network to perform a method for authenticating video content, the method comprising:

• after receiving a digital signature, an unsecured video fingerprint, and an unsecured video content from a transmitting node at a receiving node in a communication network, determining if the decrypted hash value is consistent with the unsecured video fingerprint at the receiving node to verify the unsecured video fingerprint;
• and
• determining if the unsecured video fingerprint is consistent with the unsecured video content at the receiving node to verify the unsecured video content in a manner that tolerates a predetermined measure of loss in the unsecured video content;
• wherein, if the unsecured video fingerprint and the unsecured video content are verified, the unsecured video content is authenticated for subsequent use at the receiving node.