Secure Image Retrieval and Sharing Technologies for Digital Inclusive Finance: Methods and Applications

Abstract

In the evolving landscape of digital inclusive finance, securing voluminous user data and transaction information, predominantly image data, has emerged as a pivotal challenge in financial technology. Despite extensive research on secure image retrieval and sharing, the unique demands presented by digital inclusive finance remain largely unaddressed, leading to inefficiencies and potential vulnerabilities in large-scale, high-frequency financial transactions. In response to this gap, two novel image processing methods, tailored specifically for secure image retrieval and sharing applications, have been proposed. These methods endeavour to enhance efficiency in image data processing while fortifying its security, ensuring the safe integration of these technologies within the realm of digital inclusive finance. Emphasis has been placed on the innovative application of the hash index method and reversible data hiding (RDH) to address these concerns. It is anticipated that these advances will pave the way for more secure and efficient operations in the broader financial technology sector.