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A case study in PDF forensics: The Epstein PDFs

This article details a PDF forensics case study on a small, random selection of the Epstein PDF files released by the US Department of Justice (DoJ). The tranche contains 4,085 PDF files, with an estimated 5,879 remaining unreleased. Key findings include:

  • A difference in PDF version reporting between forensic tools.
  • The presence of two incremental updates.
  • The discovery of a hidden (orphaned) document information dictionary revealing the software used in processing.
  • The DoJ avoided JPEG images to prevent metadata leakage.
  • Overall, the DoJ’s sanitization workflow could be improved to reduce file size and information leakage.
Peter Wyatt

By Peter Wyatt
December 2025

A case study in PDF forensics: The Epstein PDFs

This article details a PDF forensics case study on a small, random selection of the Epstein PDF files released by the US Department of Justice (DoJ). The tranche contains 4,085 PDF files, with an estimated 5,879 remaining unreleased. Key findings include:

  • A difference in PDF version reporting between forensic tools.
  • The presence of two incremental updates.
  • The discovery of a hidden (orphaned) document information dictionary revealing the software used in processing.
  • The DoJ avoided JPEG images to prevent metadata leakage.
  • Overall, the DoJ’s sanitization workflow could be improved to reduce file size and information leakage.
Peter Wyatt

By Peter Wyatt
December 2025

PDF/UA becomes an American national standard

March 2016 by PDF Association staff
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The ISO standard for accessible PDF files costs 88 Swiss Francs. As of March 25 it’s also available from AIIM for $15 USD.

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March 2016 by PDF Association staff
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June is the best time of the year to visit Berlin. The air is sweet, the trees are in bloom … Read more

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March 2016 by PDF Association staff
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This year, the successful PDF Days Europe will be held in Berlin. Across two days, you’ll be able to choose … Read more

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March 2016 by PDF Association staff
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This year, the established and popular PDF Days Europe will be held on June 14 and 15, 2016, in the … Read more

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February 2016 by PDF Association staff
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The new Chairman of the PDF/E Competence Center discusses the origin of the new organization in support of engineering applications … Read more

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February 2016 by Duff Johnson
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PDF files can be hard to search with confidence. Here’s why it matters, how it happens, and what you can … Read more

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January 2016 by PDF Association staff
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An R&D engineer at heart and an active PDF software developer, Peter brings new energy to the Project Leader role.

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January 2016 by PDF Association staff
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PDF/VT Application Notes available

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December 2015 by PDF Association staff
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Download the first public draft of the PDF Structure Elements Best Practice Guide today!

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December 2015 by PDF Association staff
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The coming year means more PDF files, more PDF creators supporting PDF/UA and leveraging PDF/A-3. The space continues to grow, … Read more

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December 2015 by PDF Association staff
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These videos total over 20 hours of high-quality technical education and perspective, from panel sessions to technical deep-dives.

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