Luke Arrigoni, the CEO of Loti, a Seattle-based startup that uses AI to detect and identify fake images and videos of public figures, is enthusiastic about AI’s potential to transform storytelling. His company works to remove deceptive content from the internet on behalf of clients such as celebrities, athletes, and politicians. In a recent episode of the Shift AI Podcast, Arrigoni and host Boaz Ashkenazy discuss the importance of proactive reputation management and protecting digital identities in a time dominated by deepfakes and deceptive content.
One of the key issues discussed in the podcast is the impact of deepfakes in politics. Loti aims to remain neutral in this area, focusing on helping the electorate make informed decisions by combatting fake speeches and endorsements. The company’s goal is to ensure that the public is not inundated with misleading content, particularly during crucial times such as elections. By balancing their message correctly, Loti aims to be seen as a watchdog for the elections, rather than favoring one specific politician or party.
Loti’s approach to combatting unauthorized content involves using various technologies like facial recognition, voice recognition, deepfake detection, and auto DMCA takedown tools. Arrigoni emphasizes that it is possible to remove such content from the internet, contrary to the common belief that once something is online, it stays there forever. The company focuses on protecting public figures online, as they are often targets for reputation-damaging content. Loti’s clientele includes high-profile individuals such as actors, musicians, politicians, and athletes who are at risk of being targeted by deepfakes.
Arrigoni also highlights the challenges faced by AI startups, particularly in relation to the scarcity of computational resources. He explains that the high cost and limited availability of compute power pose significant obstacles, especially given the global semiconductor shortage. Despite these challenges, Arrigoni credits his team for their support and emphasizes the importance of listening to differing perspectives when making internal decisions. He believes that listening to feedback and being open to new ideas have been crucial in guiding the success of the company.
In considering the future of work and society, Arrigoni expresses a sense of “cautious optimism.” He is excited about the potential for AI to transform storytelling and believes that advancements in AI, particularly from the younger generation, will lead to significant changes in how stories are told. However, he also advocates for caution in how society adapts to these changes, particularly in discerning between what is real and what is not. Overall, Arrigoni stresses the need for thoughtful consideration as technology continues to evolve and impact various aspects of our lives.
