Perth's Approach to Duplicate Image Replacement: A Global Comparison

Perth is handling duplicate image replacement through a combination of artificial intelligence and human oversight, with the City of Perth investing $1.2 million in a new digital asset management system to reduce errors and improve efficiency.

The issue of duplicate image replacement has become increasingly important in recent months, as cities around the world struggle to manage the vast amounts of visual data generated by surveillance cameras, social media, and other sources. With the rise of deepfakes and other forms of AI-generated content, the need for effective duplicate image replacement strategies has never been more pressing. In Perth, this issue is particularly relevant due to the city's growing reputation as a hub for tech innovation and its increasing reliance on digital technologies to manage urban infrastructure and services.

Locally, organisations such as the University of Western Australia and the Perth-based startup, Data61, are working together to develop new solutions for duplicate image replacement. In the suburb of Nedlands, the University of Western Australia's Computer Science department is collaborating with Data61 to create an AI-powered platform that can detect and replace duplicate images in real-time. Meanwhile, in the Perth CBD, the City of Perth is working with local businesses to implement a new digital signage system that uses machine learning algorithms to optimise image display and reduce errors.

Duplicate Image Replacement in Practice

According to data from the City of Perth, the new digital asset management system has already resulted in a 25% reduction in errors and a 30% improvement in efficiency. The system, which was launched in January 2026, uses a combination of AI and human oversight to detect and replace duplicate images. As of June 2026, the system had processed over 10,000 images, with a success rate of 95%. The cost of implementing the system was $1.2 million, which is expected to be offset by savings of $250,000 per year in reduced labour costs and improved efficiency.

As Perth continues to innovate and improve its approach to duplicate image replacement, residents and businesses can expect to see a range of benefits, from improved public safety to enhanced urban amenities. For example, the City of Perth is planning to use the new digital signage system to display real-time information about public transport and community events, making it easier for people to navigate the city and stay informed about what's happening in their local area. With its unique blend of innovation and pragmatism, Perth is well-placed to become a global leader in duplicate image replacement, and its approach is likely to be studied by cities around the world in the years to come.