Image Safety Tool
What is it and how to use it
In Hubstream (Classic), the image safety tool helps users to filter and mask the images they or others in their organization have uploaded.
Filters and masks in Hubstream
Users can use filters and masks to hide parts of an image for their safety. The following table shows the various available types of filters and masks:
| S No. | Type of Filter | Type of Mask |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | No Filter | No Mask |
| 2 | Gray Filter | Small Mask |
| 3 | Blur Filter | Medium Mask |
| 4 | Gray Filter | Large Mask |
How are filters and masks used for the safety and protection of investigators?
The use of filters and masks for protecting investigators from disturbing images (such as child sexual abuse material or CSAM) is invaluable in protecting their mental health.
Goals behind using filters
- To reduce the vividness of the image, making it easier for investigators to look at it without being overwhelmed or triggered by what they are seeing.
- To allow investigators (as a result of the above) to be more focused on getting information from an image instead of getting emotionally attached to what they’re viewing.
Goals behind using masks
- To block out the disturbing parts of the image.
- To help investigators focus their attention on the part of the image that contains helpful information rather than the part that contains potentially disturbing and unhelpful elements.
Types of filters
The following four kinds of filters are available for images:
-
No filter: The first filter removes any pre-applied filter applied to the image. This is also selected when there’s no filter applied to the image.
-
Gray filter: The second filter turns the image into a grayscale. When the gray filter is applied to an image, it alters the colors of the photo and desaturates them to various shades of gray.
-
Blur filter: The third filter blurs the image. When it is applied to an image, it has the effect of blurring or obscuring certain parts of the picture. It results in a softer, less detailed look and makes identifying people or objects much more difficult.
-
Block image: The fourth filter hides the image entirely.
Types of masks
The masks are present below the filter on the upper right side of the image.
The following four types of mask settings are available:
-
No mask: This setting removes any mask applied to the image.
-
Small mask: This setting allows viewing the image in a small circle.
-
Medium mask: This setting allows viewing the image in a medium circle.
-
Large mask: The fourth setting allows viewing the image in a large circle.
How to use the image safety tool
To use the image safety tool, follow the steps given below:
-
Go to an investigation or media section of the hamburger menu. Click on an image to open it. The image safety tool is available on the right side of the picture.
-
Click on a filter to turn the image to grayscale/blur/black.
-
Afterward, click appropriate mask settings to view the image in a particular area.
-
Hover the hand icon over any part of the image to view it.
