Detailed digital data analyses were conducted of the metadata contained in files produced on four iOS apps and then re-encoded with four (4) common audio/media editing programs, producing a total of twenty (20) separate M4A files.  The purpose of this research was to identify changes made to the M4A file structure and metadata content by the re-encoding processes as they related to forensic audio authenticity examinations.  The research found that the re-encoding processes produced clearly discernible differences, compared to the original M4A files.  The M4A metadata format structure, the procedures followed, the changes identified in the metadata of the re-encoded files, and a discussion of the authenticity implications are listed.

Authors: Koenig, Bruce; Lacey, Douglas
Affiliation: BEK TEK LLC, Stafford, VA, USA
AES Conference: 2017 AES International Conference on Audio Forensics (June 2017)
Paper Number: 1-3
Publication Date: June 6, 2017 Import into BibTeX
Subject: Authentication
Permalink: https://www.aes.org/e-lib/browse.cfm?elib=18738

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