Digital Watermarking

Definition ∞ Digital watermarking is a technique used to embed hidden information, or a watermark, into digital content such as images, audio, or video. This embedded data is typically imperceptible to the human eye or ear but can be detected and extracted using specific algorithms. Its purpose is often to verify authenticity, track usage, or protect intellectual property rights.
Context ∞ In the context of digital assets and non-fungible tokens (NFTs), digital watermarking is being explored as a mechanism for provenance tracking and copyright enforcement. News coverage often highlights its potential to combat digital asset theft and unauthorized duplication, providing a technical layer of protection for creators and collectors in the burgeoning digital art and collectibles markets.