App. Res. of Comp. Accepted Paper
Vol. 43, 2026 No. 9

Survey of image watermarking methods for diffusion models

Tang Xiaoliang
Sun Zhen
School of Data Science, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266061, China
DOI: 10.19734/j.issn.1001-3695.2025.12.0525

Abstract

The rapid development of diffusion models increasingly blurs the boundary between real and AI-generated images. This trend triggers critical issues regarding content authenticity, accountability, and copyright protection, and urgently demands reliable watermarking techniques for verification and traceability. To assist researchers, this review systematically surveys watermarking methods for diffusion models. First, the paper outlines the advancements of various watermarking approaches from the perspective of embedding stages and mechanisms and constructs a watermark classification framework tailored for diffusion models. Second, it analyzes generative watermarking mechanisms based on fine-tuning and initial noise, comparing their respective strengths and limitations. Furthermore, the study clarifies the application scenarios of watermarks in intellectual property protection, AI-generated content (AIGC) traceability, and accountability, and summarizes an evaluation system that covers imperceptibility, robustness, and watermark capacity. Finally, the review explores current challenges and future development directions for image watermarking in diffusion models and provides potential solutions.

Foundation Support

山东省重大科技创新工程(2017CXGC0607)
泰山学者海外特聘专家(tshw201502042)

Publish Information

DOI: 10.19734/j.issn.1001-3695.2025.12.0525
Publish at: Application Research of Computers Accepted Paper, Vol. 43, 2026 No. 9

Publish History

[2026-05-28] Accepted Paper

Cite This Article

唐晓亮, 孙振. 面向扩散模型的图像水印方法研究综述 [J]. 计算机应用研究, 2026, 43 (9). (2026-06-02). https://doi.org/10.19734/j.issn.1001-3695.2025.12.0525. (Tang Xiaoliang, Sun Zhen. Survey of image watermarking methods for diffusion models [J]. Application Research of Computers, 2026, 43 (9). (2026-06-02). https://doi.org/10.19734/j.issn.1001-3695.2025.12.0525. )

About the Journal

  • Application Research of Computers Monthly Journal
  • Journal ID ISSN 1001-3695
    CN  51-1196/TP

Application Research of Computers, founded in 1984, is an academic journal of computing technology sponsored by Sichuan Institute of Computer Sciences under the Science and Technology Department of Sichuan Province.

Aiming at the urgently needed cutting-edge technology in this discipline, Application Research of Computers reflects the mainstream technology, hot technology and the latest development trend of computer application research at home and abroad in a timely manner. The main contents of the journal include high-level academic papers in this discipline, the latest scientific research results and major application results. The contents of the columns involve new theories of computer discipline, basic computer theory, algorithm theory research, algorithm design and analysis, blockchain technology, system software and software engineering technology, pattern recognition and artificial intelligence, architecture, advanced computing, parallel processing, database technology, computer network and communication technology, information security technology, computer image graphics and its latest hot application technology.

Application Research of Computers has many high-level readers and authors, and its readers are mainly senior and middle-level researchers and engineers engaged in the field of computer science, as well as teachers and students majoring in computer science and related majors in colleges and universities. Over the years, the total citation frequency and Web download rate of Application Research of Computers have been ranked among the top of similar academic journals in this discipline, and the academic papers published are highly popular among the readers for their novelty, academics, foresight, orientation and practicality.

Indexed & Evaluation

  • The Second National Periodical Award 100 Key Journals
  • Double Effect Journal of China Journal Formation
  • the Core Journal of China (Peking University 2023 Edition)
  • the Core Journal for Science
  • Chinese Science Citation Database (CSCD) Source Journals
  • RCCSE Chinese Core Academic Journals
  • Journal of China Computer Federation
  • 2020-2022 The World Journal Clout Index (WJCI) Report of Scientific and Technological Periodicals
  • Full-text Source Journal of China Science and Technology Periodicals Database
  • Source Journal of China Academic Journals Comprehensive Evaluation Database
  • Source Journals of China Academic Journals (CD-ROM Version), China Journal Network
  • 2017-2019 China Outstanding Academic Journals with International Influence (Natural Science and Engineering Technology)
  • Source Journal of Top Academic Papers (F5000) Program of China's Excellent Science and Technology Journals
  • Source Journal of China Engineering Technology Electronic Information Network and Electronic Technology Literature Database
  • Source Journal of British Science Digest (INSPEC)
  • Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) Source Journal
  • Russian Journal of Abstracts (AJ, VINITI) Source Journals
  • Full-text Journal of EBSCO, USA
  • Cambridge Scientific Abstracts (Natural Sciences) (CSA(NS)) core journals
  • Poland Copernicus Index (IC)
  • Ulrichsweb (USA)