Updated on: August 22, 2024
In a recent interview with SafetyDetectives, Francesco Cavalli, co-founder of Sensity AI, delved into the pressing issues surrounding synthetic media and the cutting-edge solutions his company is developing to combat these challenges. With a rich background in product management within cybersecurity, Cavalli’s journey into the world of AI and deepfakes was fueled by a passion for technology and a concern for the societal impact of digital content manipulation. Sensity.ai, under his leadership, has positioned itself at the forefront of the fight against malicious synthetic media, working tirelessly to ensure the integrity and authenticity of online information.
Can you tell us a bit about your background and what inspired you to co-found Sensity AI?
I have always been passionate about technology and its potential to shape our world. My background is in product management in cyber security contexts. Before co-founding Sensity AI, I worked on various projects related to AI and digital security especially related to detecting scams on ad networks. The rapid advancements in synthetic media, particularly deepfakes, sparked my interest. I realized the profound implications these technologies could have on society, both positive and negative. The potential for misuse and the lack of reliable detection tools inspired me to co-found Sensity AI, aiming to build solutions to safeguard the integrity of digital content.
What is the mission of Sensity AI, and how did the company get started?
Sensity AI’s mission is to protect individuals, organizations, and society from the threats posed by malicious synthetic media. Our goal is to ensure the integrity and authenticity of digital content, fostering trust in online interactions. The company was born out of a need to address the growing concerns around deepfakes and other forms of manipulated media. We started by bringing together a team of experts in AI, cybersecurity, and digital forensics to develop advanced detection technologies. Our journey began with extensive research and collaboration with academic institutions, which laid the foundation for the robust solutions we offer today.
What challenges have you faced in developing and implementing Sensity AI’s technology?
One of the biggest challenges we faced was keeping pace with the rapidly evolving techniques used to create synthetic media. Deepfake technology advances quickly, making it a continuous race to stay ahead. Additionally, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of our detection tools was paramount, as false positives or negatives could have serious consequences. We also had to address the scalability of our solutions to handle the vast amounts of digital content generated daily. Another significant challenge was educating the public and organizations about the threats posed by synthetic media and the importance of verification tools.
What are some of the most common threats posed by synthetic media in today’s digital landscape?
Synthetic media, particularly deepfakes, pose several threats. These include misinformation and disinformation campaigns, where manipulated media is used to spread false information, potentially influencing public opinion and political processes. Identity theft and financial fraud are also significant concerns, especially on social media platforms, with deepfakes being used to impersonate individuals for malicious purposes i.e. stealing money to elderly people. Additionally, the use of deepfakes is growing in the KYC space, anyone can steal facial biometrics from a single ID picture and open a fake bank account online by the identity verification process., another emerging threat is the use of real time deepfakes during video calls.
How do you stay ahead of the constantly evolving techniques used to create deepfakes?
Staying ahead requires a proactive and multi-faceted approach. We invest heavily in research and development, continually refining our detection algorithms to adapt to new deepfake generation methods. Collaboration is key; we work closely with academic institutions, industry partners, and governmental organizations to share knowledge and stay informed about emerging trends. Additionally, we leverage a combination of AI and threat intelligence to improve our tools’ accuracy and robustness. Continuous learning and adapting are essential in this ever-changing field, and we remain committed to evolving our technologies to meet new challenges.
How can individuals and organizations verify the authenticity of the content they encounter online?
Verification of online content authenticity requires a combination of tools and practices. For individuals, being aware of the existence and prevalence of synthetic media is the first step. They can use digital forensics tools and platforms like Sensity AI to analyze and verify content. Organizations should implement comprehensive digital content verification protocols, including the use of advanced AI detection technologies on a large scale especially in high risk departments. Training and awareness programs are also crucial to educate employees and the public about the risks and detection methods. Additionally, cross-referencing information from multiple credible sources can help verify the authenticity of digital content.