An Israeli AI cybersecurity startup, Clarity, has secured its first $16 million in seed funding to develop software aimed at detecting and safeguarding against deepfakes, a growing concern in the digital landscape.
Co-founder Michael Matias, formerly an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) officer and leader in the 8200 Intelligence Unit, emphasized the significance of AI and cybersecurity in protecting democratic institutions.
Matias noted the absence of adaptive solutions to combat emerging cybersecurity threats in this domain, prompting the inception of Clarity’s technology.
Describing Clarity’s innovation as a defensive mechanism akin to a water filtration system, Matias highlighted its ability to identify and filter out potentially harmful content. The surge in deepfake videos, as reported by Sensity AI, underscores the urgency of developing effective countermeasures.
Matias revealed that Clarity initially anticipated a surge in deepfakes during the 2024 elections but encountered a pivotal moment amid the Israel-Hamas conflict in October, catalyzing their efforts to expedite development in collaboration with governmental and media entities.
Reflecting on the Israel-Hamas war’s impact, Matias underscored the pivotal role of public perception, especially in conflict situations with numerous uncertainties.
The proliferation of deepfake videos during the conflict, as documented by the Anti-Defamation League and Bloomberg, underscored the urgency of addressing the digital manipulation of media content.
Matias emphasized the need for proactive measures to combat deepfakes, drawing parallels to virus pathogens and highlighting the iterative nature of developing effective countermeasures.
The newly secured funding will enable Clarity to scale its operations, including doubling its workforce and expanding research and development endeavors.
Matias likened the challenge posed by deepfakes to combating a rapidly spreading virus, necessitating ongoing innovation and adaptation. He emphasized the need for a multifaceted approach to address the evolving landscape of digital threats, underscoring Clarity’s commitment to developing robust AI models capable of mitigating the proliferation of deepfakes effectively.