Sovereign Per-Pixel Image Authenticity Verification via Merkle-Tree Signing on Generated Imagery.

Per-pixel-block Merkle signing with localised tamper detection at sub-image granularity.

A method and system for verifying the authenticity of generated images at pixel-level granularity. At the moment of generation the system computes a Merkle tree whose leaves are cryptographic hashes of individual pixels or non-overlapping pixel blocks; the root is signed under a hardware-attested post-quantum digital signature held in operator-controlled hardware, and the root signature plus per-pixel Merkle proofs are stored alongside the image as a provenance manifest. A verifier given the image, the manifest, and the operator's public key can independently verify the authenticity of any individual pixel block; localised tampering (object insertion, face swap, content removal, steganographic injection) is detectable to the pixel block. Targets regulated industries where pixel-level integrity matters (medical imaging, satellite imagery, legal evidence, forensic photography). Filed 21 May 2026 as GB2611901.6.