The US Department of Defense believes it needs to take a position on digital manipulation of photographs because:
Computer digital technology makes removing or adding elements to photographs or video images fairly simple-and usually undetectable. To guard against the potentially dangerous effects such manipulation can have on military leaders who use digital images to make decisions and to ensure the credibility of Department of Defense (DOD)-produced images, former Deputy Secretary of Defense John Deutch issued a memorandum, dated 9 December 1994, to establish DOD guidelines regarding digital manipulation of official DOD photographic and video images. These include any images recorded or produced by persons acting on behalf of DOD activities, functions or missions.