Infibeam Partners IISc Bengaluru To Develop Deepfake Detection Systems

Payments infrastructure company Infibeam Avenues has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru for development of advanced real-time deepfake detection systems. 

In a statement, the company said that the MoU is aimed at research and development to enhance digital security for government entities, corporations, and organisations amid rising threat of AI-generated deception. 

“This partnership is a crucial step toward enhancing cybersecurity and preventing the misuse of deepfake technology for fraudulent activities,” said Vishal Mehta, chairman and managing director of Infibeam Avenues. 

Under the MoU, Infibeam Avenues’ AI unit Phronetic.AI and IISc will build anti-deepfake technology specifically for real-time video communication. 

“This partnership is a pivotal step in restoring trust in digital communications. Together, we will equip users with the necessary tools to differentiate between truth and fabrication in an increasingly complex digital landscape, thereby mitigating fraud risks and enhancing digital trust,” said Rajesh Kumar SA, CEO of Phronetic.AI. 

Phronetic.AI claims to have developed an advanced video AI agent that can detect deepfakes in real-time by engaging in live video conversations and alerting users when the other participant is identified as a deepfake. In collaboration with IISc’s Vision and AI Lab, it aims to further improve these algorithms. 

The research will focus on developing a user-friendly interface to help even non-experts adapt the systems across sectors such as banking, healthcare, insurance, finance, fintech, HR recruitment, government organisations, among others. 

The partnership comes at a time when the menace of deepfakes is on the rise in the country and across the globe. As a result, a number of startups, like pi-labs and Kroop AI are developing solutions to tackle this problem.

Meanwhile, Infibeam Avenues is betting big on AI. Last year, it acquired a 20% stake in US-based AI company XDuce for $10 Mn. It also launched its AI platform THEIA last year to help enterprises to transform their operations using AI video analysis.

On the financial front, the company posted a nearly 50% jump in its consolidated profit after tax (PAT) to INR 64.4 Cr in the third quarter of the financial year 2024-25 (Q3 FY25) from INR 43.1 Cr in the year-ago quarter.