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.
