TikTok Users Claim Methods to Unredact DOJ Epstein Files, Raising Misinformation Concerns
TikTok and other social media users claim they have been able to unredact portions of the recently released Department of Justice (DOJ) Epstein documents by using two low-tech methods. These methods exploit known weaknesses in the redaction process: one involves copying text from PDFs where redaction is done with a non-destructive black overlay, and the other uses image editing to see through semi-transparent redactions on scanned documents.
Claims from these users describe unredacted material that allegedly includes payments to young models and actresses to buy silence, funding for witnesses, and discrepancies involving shell-company property taxes. However, these claims have not been independently verified.
Following the release, the DOJ reportedly removed at least 16 files from its website, which has fueled speculation about a cover-up. Among the reportedly removed items was a photograph featuring Donald Trump.
Experts caution that many of the viral revelations from these unredaction attempts remain unverified and could be exaggerated or fake. They note that not all redactions are compromised and emphasize the known risk of misinformation surrounding these claims.
