Meet 8 AI Startups In The US Battling Deepfakes Ahead Of Elections

As AI-generated deepfakes increasingly threaten the integrity of elections worldwide, the call for decisive regulation is growing louder. Robert Weissman, co-president of Public Citizen, voiced his frustration: “With deepfakes impacting elections globally and popping up more frequently in the U.S., the FEC should be taking bold steps to deter them.” Instead, the FEC has yet to issue a simple, clear rule against fraudulent deepfakes, leaving a gaping vulnerability. At the same time, tech companies are under pressure to combat AI-fueled disinformation through transparency and collaboration, but their vague policies fall short of what’s needed. As voters in over 50 countries prepare to head to the polls in 2024, it’s clear that both regulators and tech platforms need to act fast. But some AI startups are stepping up to tackle the problem head-on. Let’s take a look at the top 8 AI startups leading the fight against deepfakes.

1. Truepic

Founders: Jeffrey McGregor and Craig Stack 

Truepic develops advanced image authentication and verification technology aimed at combating deepfakes and manipulated media. Their platform employs a combination of computer vision and blockchain technology to verify the authenticity of photos and videos at the point of capture. Truepic emphasizes the importance of content consumers knowing whether an image or video is created solely by a human or involves generative AI. With growing concerns about deepfakes being weaponized to influence elections and sway voters, Truepic has partnered with Dr. Hany Farid to make his research on known examples of deepfakes in the upcoming 2024 U.S. presidential election readily accessible.

2. Reality Defender

Founders: Gaurav Bharaj, Ben Colman, and Ali Shahriyari

Reality Defender offers an advanced deepfake detection platform designed for enterprises, flagging fraudulent users and content, including audio, video, images, and documents. Their API and web app provide real-time risk scoring, alerts, and forensics. Reality Defender’s multimodal technology detects deepfake voices, digitally altered recordings, and synthetic elements within media. Recently, they upgraded their platform to allow real-time detection of audio deepfakes in call centers, protecting voice biometrics and preventing fraud. The platform also provides explainable results, helping users understand how AI detects deepfakes while continuously improving to counter new threats.

3. TrueMedia

Founder: Oren Etzioni 

TrueMedia.org is a non-profit, non-partisan organization focused on fighting AI-driven disinformation, especially in political campaigns. Ahead of the 2024 U.S. elections, they launched a free deepfake detection tool for reporters, fact-checkers, government officials, and campaign staff. This tool, designed to analyze suspicious media from social platforms, detects deepfakes in audio, images, and videos with over 90% accuracy. TrueMedia.org’s goal is to help newsrooms and key stakeholders distinguish real from fake content in an age where AI manipulation is harder to spot.

4. Loti

Founder: Luke Arrigoni

Loti provides specialized online protection for public figures, including artists, athletes, executives, and creators. The company continuously monitors the web to track where clients’ faces or voices appear, working to remove infringing content and unauthorized accounts. Loti also helps clients reclaim revenue from unauthorized uses of their likeness. With a focus on generative AI risks, Loti ensures public figures can control how their digital presence is used, allowing them to confidently pursue new opportunities while staying protected.

5. Certifi AI

Founder: Melissa Hutchins

Certifi AI offers an advanced AI-powered platform to verify the authenticity of digital content and combat deepfakes, non-consensual media, and cyber harassment. Using AI algorithms, it detects alterations in images and videos to maintain the integrity of visual information. Additionally, the platform evaluates the credibility of content sources, including websites and social media. Through continuous improvements to its detection models and a growing deepfake database, Certifi AI empowers users to navigate the digital world with confidence while addressing the harmful impact of manipulated content.

6. Official AI

Founders: Dave Siegfried and John Pletka

Official AI is creating a marketplace to help individuals control their digital likeness while connecting them with marketers interested in AI-generated talent. Unlike companies directly battling deepfakes, Official AI focuses on empowering people to manage their digital identities. The startup generates revenue through licensing fees and was incubated by Pioneer Square Labs and Mudita Venture Partners.

7. GetReal Labs

Founder: Matthew Moynahan

GetReal Labs, a newly launched company, is focused on fighting deepfakes and malicious manipulated content. Their advanced forensic tools detect fake voice and video in real-time, while their authentication technology ensures content integrity and uncovers deception. GetReal offers comprehensive protection against threats like AI-generated social media profiles, voice scams, and photoshopped images of executives. Their solutions are tailored for financial institutions, corporations, media, government agencies, and social media platforms, aiming to protect organizations globally from these rising threats.

8. Clarity

Founder: Michael Matias

Clarity, a startup tackling deepfakes, has developed an AI-powered tool that detects manipulated videos, images, and audio. Their app and API use multiple AI models to spot deepfake techniques, adapting quickly to new threats. Initially focused on news publishers and public sector clients, Clarity now serves identity verification companies and large enterprises. With $16 million in seed funding, they’re expanding their team to stay ahead in the fast-evolving battle between deepfake creators and detection technology. Their solution is available through subscription or pay-as-you-go plans, designed for high-stakes scenarios like conflict zone reporting.