How to cite images or charts with unclear sources?

When encountering images or charts with unclear origins, responsible citation is still possible by clearly documenting the adaptation process and citing any intermediaries or derivative formats accessed. Creating your own visualization based on the unclear data is often the most defensible approach. Key principles include diligently attempting to trace the source; acknowledging the limitations of tracing within the citation; providing a comprehensive descriptive caption detailing the image's content and source uncertainty; adhering strictly to institutional or publisher guidelines; respecting copyright restrictions and assessing fair use applicability or obtaining necessary permissions before reuse; considering legal risks associated with unverified or potentially infringing materials. Transparency about provenance is paramount. If reuse is essential and ethically justified, meticulously document steps taken to locate the original source within the citation note, referencing the platform where found. Always prioritize creating original figures from primary data sources. For adapted visuals derived from the unclear image, clearly state this within the caption/citation ("Adapted from an image originally sourced from [Intermediary Platform/Location accessed, date accessed], original creator/copyright holder unknown"). This methodology ensures attribution rigor while acknowledging limitations, upholding academic integrity.