identIA is an artificial intelligence (AI) tool designed to support the identification of deceased persons through their tattoos. It allows users to find potential matches using either text- or image-based searches, facilitating the analysis of large volumes of forensic records in seconds and strengthening the use of tattoos as a key source of information in human identification processes.
Challenges in Human Identification through Tattoos
Non-standardized records:
Although tattoos are key distinguishing features, institutions and forensic records often describe or classify them differently. This lack of standardization makes it difficult to compare ante mortem y post mortem.
Manual searches:
In many cases, families describe tattoos and forensic personnel must manually review databases to locate possible matches. This process consumes time, limits response capacity, and delays human identification efforts.
Revictimization:
Without effective filtering systems, families are often exposed to large volumes of sensitive images during the identification process, subjecting them to unnecessary emotional distress.
Why identIA??
Human identification requires precise, timely, and coordinated efforts. In response to operational and information challenges, identIA uses artificial intelligence to strengthen institutional tattoo search and comparison processes, optimize response time, and contribute to more efficient and dignified identification process for the families.
Key functions of identIA
Standardize tattoo searches:
Automatically recognizes and classifies tattoo images, allowing multiple ways to describe the same tattoo.
Accelerates the review of large volumes of information
Reduces manual searches and locates possible matches in seconds.
Reduces institutional response times
By delivering results within seconds, identIA supports personnel working on human identification processes.
Prevents revictimization
Displays only tattoo images related to the search.
How does identIA work?
identIA allows users to search for tattoos in two ways:
Text search
- Users enter a keyword or a description of the tattoo into the search bar.
- identIA interprets the text and transforms it into a representation that gets compared against tattoo photographs already stored in institutional databases.
- identIA searches registered tattoos and identifies those most like the description provided.
- Displays only the tattoo images that match the search, making the review process easier.
- If users recognize a tattoo, the system provides access to the additional photographs associated with that case to support the identification process.
Image search
- Users upload a photograph showing all or part of a tattoo.
- identIA automatically detects the tattoo within the image.
- Analyzes the tattoo’s features and compares them with tattoo photographs stored in institutional databases.
- Displays the tattoos that most closely match the uploaded photograph.
- If users recognize the tattoo, the system provides access to the additional photographs associated with that case to support the identification process.
The results display only the information strictly necessary for the identification process..
Safe and Responsible Use
identIA incorporates security measures and follows an ethical approach that protects information responsibly and centers human dignity:
Keeps information within institutional environments
Information is not uploaded online or shared outside the institution. All processing takes place on institutional devices or servers.
Uses only strictly necessary information
Sensitive data is not revealed during the search process.
Supports forensic work during identification processes,
but it does not replace professional expertise or institutional identification procedures.
What technology does identIA use?
identIA combines different artificial intelligence technologies to recognize tattoos and identify similarities in seconds. The system integrates these technologies into a modular architecture that facilitates updates, improvements, and maintenance.
The tool uses an AI model trained on millions of image-text pairs. This allows the system to understand both the visual content of an image and the meaning of words (like “cross” “rose” or “name”) and compare both forms of information within the same system. In simple terms, identIA connects visual information with user descriptions, allowing searches using both text and images.
Who is identIA designed for?
identIA supports institutions in charge of search and human identification efforts. The tool can be exclusively used by specialized personnel working in institutional environments and handling sensitive information, including:
- Forensic Services and Institutes
- Specialized Prosecutor’s Offices on Disappearances
- Search Commissions for Missing People
What inputs does identIA require?
To support identification processes effectively, identIA requires several basic inputs that institutions already use in their regular work:
High-quality forensic photos and basic case information links the photographs to the corresponding case file.
A computer or server with reasonable storage and processing capacity. identIA does not require specialized infrastructure.
Interested in identIA?
Keep in touch
If you are interested in learning more about identIA, exploring possible applications, piloting the tool, or discussing how it could adapt to your needs, we would be glad to start a conversation.
Contac us to learn more.
We are open to answering questions, sharing experiences, and building solutions together.
