---
title: "Compare claimed source metadata with the file actually produced"
url: "https://ailawframework.com/obligations/incoming-evidence-deepfakes-and-synthetic-documents/compare-claimed-source-metadata-with-the-file-actually-produced"
type: "task"
site: "AI Law Framework"
id: "A44-A20260923-1"
practice_area: "Incoming evidence — deepfakes & synthetic documents"
tier: "yellow"
lawyer_review: "required"
last_reviewed: "2026-10-22"
---

# Compare claimed source metadata with the file actually produced

> Extract stated author, date and device fields and compare them with the produced file's properties, listing mismatches.

Canonical page: https://ailawframework.com/obligations/incoming-evidence-deepfakes-and-synthetic-documents/compare-claimed-source-metadata-with-the-file-actually-produced  
Last reviewed: 2026-10-22

Site index for agents: https://ailawframework.com/llms.txt

## Key facts

| Fact | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Practice area | [Incoming evidence — deepfakes & synthetic documents](https://ailawframework.com/obligations/incoming-evidence-deepfakes-and-synthetic-documents.md) |
| Human involvement | Yellow: Lawyer and AI draft together |
| How AI is used | Extract stated author, date and device fields and compare them with the produced file's properties, listing mismatches. |
| What the lawyer must review | Treat a match as not proving authenticity: metadata can be edited Enquire further on any mismatch |
| Written for / versions | 1 jurisdiction versions below |

## Checking plan

Metadata can be edited. A match is not authenticity; a mismatch is a reason to enquire.

- What the AI does: Extract stated author, date and device fields and compare them with the produced file's properties, listing mismatches.
- What the lawyer does: Set the scope, verify the evidence, resolve exceptions and approve the final output for its intended use.
- Basis: Suggested checking approach based on the task guidance. Complete the assessment for the actual tool, information and jurisdiction.

## Checks the lawyer makes

1. Confirm the output against the client’s instructions and the complete relevant source material, including omissions or contradictions.
2. Verify every relied-on citation, figure and name against the source document.
3. The responsible lawyer approves the exact version before use.

## Sources

- [New Zealand Law Society: Generative AI guidance for lawyers](https://www.lawsociety.org.nz/professional-practice/rules-and-maintaining-professional-standards/generative-ai-guidance-for-lawyers/) (checked 2026-09-23)

## Forms and precedents for this task

| Form or precedent | Kind | AI level | Summary |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Metadata comparison schedule for a digital file](https://ailawframework.com/precedents/incoming-evidence-deepfakes-and-synthetic-documents/metadata-comparison-schedule.md) | Form | Yellow | Schedule comparing what a party claims about a digital file with the properties of the file actually held: names, times, hashes, device fields and software marks, for a lawyer to read before any… |
| [Production-set log for candidate synthetic or altered media](https://ailawframework.com/precedents/incoming-evidence-deepfakes-and-synthetic-documents/production-synthetic-media-log.md) | Form | Yellow | Log for marking items in a production, brief or client upload that need a lawyer's eye: missing native files, platform AI labels, inconsistent metadata, or a witness account that does not match the… |
| [Protocol for exchange of native electronic files where authenticity is in issue](https://ailawframework.com/precedents/incoming-evidence-deepfakes-and-synthetic-documents/native-file-exchange-protocol.md) | Agreement | Red | Short protocol the parties can adopt for a file whose authenticity, identity or provenance is disputed: native file, hash, metadata export, no public AI, and a timetable for a s 167 request. |

Signed-in accounts can read the full text of each one.

## Jurisdiction versions

| Jurisdiction | Level |
| --- | --- |
| [United States](https://ailawframework.com/obligations/incoming-evidence-deepfakes-and-synthetic-documents/compare-claimed-source-metadata-with-the-file-actually-produced/united-states.md) | Yellow |

*Practice guidance for planning and review. Confirm current primary sources and the requirements of the actual matter. This is general information, not legal advice.*