Latest news with #LukeArrigoni
Malay Mail
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
No, that's not Keanu Reeves asking for money — but his AI doppelganger is — and he's had enough
LOS ANGELES, July 19 — Keanu Reeves may not be on social media, but that hasn't stopped scammers from turning him into one of the most impersonated celebrities online. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the Matrix and John Wick star is paying thousands of dollars a month to a Seattle-based company, Loti AI, to track and remove fake accounts pretending to be him across platforms like TikTok, Facebook and Instagram. With his blessing, the company's founder Luke Arrigoni revealed they've issued nearly 40,000 takedown requests on Reeves' behalf over the past year. 'He cares very much about how his fans are treated, and he's very invested in trying to solve this problem,' Arrigoni reportedly said. A reporter for The Hollywood Reporter went undercover to investigate one of the scams. While the real Reeves was walking the red carpet with girlfriend Alexandra Grant at the John Wick spinoff Ballerina premiere, a fake account named Keanu_Reeves68667 tried to coax the journalist into paying US$600 (RM2,547) for a bogus 'VIP' fan club membership, promising an in-person meet-up. The actor's widespread appeal — and his almost mythical off-grid persona — have made him an easy target for online manipulation. 'Pretty much everybody everywhere on Earth likes [him],' the reporter noted, adding that his lack of personal social media makes it harder for fans to distinguish real from fake. Scammers have used Reeves' likeness for everything from romance grifts to political messages. In one fake image, he appears to endorse Donald Trump. In another, he seems to support awareness campaigns for indigenous children who were victims of abusive boarding schools in Canada. Most of these images are photoshopped from a Getty photo of Reeves at a motorcycle event in Italy in 2017. Loti AI typically gets platforms to remove fake accounts within 48 hours, but that's often enough time for fraudsters to inflict serious harm. As The Hollywood Reporter highlighted, the FBI reported nearly US$672 million in losses from romance and confidence scams in 2024 — with older adults particularly vulnerable. One case involved a 73-year-old woman who lost nearly US$100,000 to a scammer pretending to be Kevin Costner. She was convinced to send bitcoin deposits for a fake film project, lured in by messages offering companionship during a difficult time. At one point, the fake Costner even sent a photo holding a handwritten sign that read: 'It's really me Kevin Costner. I love you so much… I can't wait to meet you.' For his part, Reeves is doing what he can to protect others from similar heartbreak — even if it means fighting an invisible, AI-fuelled army one fake account at a time.
CNBC
19-06-2025
- Business
- CNBC
Google is using YouTube videos to train its AI video generator
Google is using its expansive library of YouTube videos to train its artificial intelligence models, including Gemini and the Veo 3 video and audio generator, CNBC has learned. The tech company is turning to its catalog of 20 billion YouTube videos to train these new-age AI tools, according to a person who was not authorized to speak publicly about the matter. Google confirmed to CNBC that it relies on its vault of YouTube videos to train its AI models, but the company said it only uses a subset of its videos for the training and that it honors specific agreements with creators and media companies. "We've always used YouTube content to make our products better, and this hasn't changed with the advent of AI," said a YouTube spokesperson in a statement. "We also recognize the need for guardrails, which is why we've invested in robust protections that allow creators to protect their image and likeness in the AI era — something we're committed to continuing." Such use of YouTube videos has the potential to lead to an intellectual property crisis for creators and media companies, experts said. While YouTube says it has shared this information previously, experts who spoke with CNBC said it's not widely understood by creators and media organizations that Google is training its AI models using its video library. YouTube didn't say how many of the 20 billion videos on its platform or which ones are used for AI training. But given the platform's scale, training on just 1% of the catalog would amount to 2.3 billion minutes of content, which experts say is more than 40 times the training data used by competing AI models. The company shared in a blog post published in September that YouTube content could be used to "improve the product experience … including through machine learning and AI applications." Users who have uploaded content to the service have no way of opting out of letting Google train on their videos. "It's plausible that they're taking data from a lot of creators that have spent a lot of time and energy and their own thought to put into these videos," said Luke Arrigoni, CEO of Loti, a company that works to protect digital identity for creators. "It's helping the Veo 3 model make a synthetic version, a poor facsimile, of these creators. That's not necessarily fair to them." CNBC spoke with multiple leading creators and IP professionals, none were aware or had been informed by YouTube that their content could be used to train Google's AI models. The revelation that YouTube is training on its users' videos is noteworthy after Google in May announced Veo 3, one of the most advanced AI video generators on the market. In its unveiling, Google showcased cinematic-level video sequences, including a scene of an old man on a boat and another showing Pixar-like animals talking with one another. The entirety of the scenes, both the visual and the audio, were entirely AI generated. According to YouTube, an average of 20 million videos are uploaded to the platform each day by independent creators by nearly every major media company. Many creators say they are now concerned they may be unknowingly helping to train a system that could eventually compete with or replace them. "It doesn't hurt their competitive advantage at all to tell people what kind of videos they train on and how many they trained on," Arrigoni said. "The only thing that it would really impact would be their relationship to creators." Even if Veo 3's final output does not directly replicate existing work, the generated content fuels commercial tools that could compete with the creators who made the training data possible, all without credit, consent or compensation, experts said. When uploading a video to the platform, the user is agreeing that YouTube has a broad license to the content. "By providing Content to the Service, you grant to YouTube a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free, sublicensable and transferable license to use that Content," the terms of service read. "We've seen a growing number of creators discover fake versions of themselves circulating across platforms — new tools like Veo 3 are only going to accelerate the trend," said Dan Neely, CEO of Vermillio, which helps individuals protect their likeness from being misused and also facilitates secure licensing of authorized content. Neely's company has challenged AI platforms for generating content that allegedly infringes on its clients' intellectual property, both individual and corporate. Neely says that although YouTube has the right to use this content, many of the content creators who post on the platform are unaware that their videos are being used to train video-generating AI software. Vermillio uses a proprietary tool called Trace ID to asses whether an AI-generated video has significant overlap with a human-created video. Trace ID assigns scores on a scale of zero to 100. Any score over 10 for a video with audio is considered meaningful, Neely said. In one example cited by Neely, a video from YouTube creator Brodie Moss closely matched content generated by Veo 3. Trace ID attributed a score of 71 to the original video with the audio alone scoring over 90. Some creators told CNBC they welcome the opportunity to use Veo 3, even if it may have been trained on their content. "I try to treat it as friendly competition more so than these are adversaries," said Sam Beres, a creator with 10 million subscribers on YouTube. "I'm trying to do things positively because it is the inevitable —but it's kind of an exciting inevitable." Google includes an indemnification clause for its generative AI products, including Veo, which means that if a user faces a copyright challenge over AI-generated content, Google will take on legal responsibility and cover the associated costs. YouTube announced a partnership with Creative Artists Agency in December to develop access for top talent to identify and manage AI-generated content that features their likeness. YouTube also has a tool for creators to request a video to be taken down if they believe it abuses their likeness. However, Arrigoni said that the tool hasn't been reliable for his clients. YouTube also allows creators to opt out of third party training from select AI companies including Amazon, Apple and Nvidia, but users are not able to stop Google from training for its own models. The Walt Disney Company and Universal filed a joint lawsuit last Wednesday against the AI image generator Midjourney, alleging copyright infringement, the first lawsuit of its kind out of Hollywood. "The people who are losing are the artists and the creators and the teenagers whose lives are upended," said Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., in May at a Senate hearing about the use of AI to replicate the likeness of humans. "We've got to give individuals powerful enforceable rights and their images in their property in their lives back again or this is just never going to stop."
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Khosla Ventures Leads $16.2M Series A In Loti AI, Backed By WME & CAA, To Shield Celebrities From Deepfake Threats
Seattle-based Loti AI has secured $16.2 million in Series A funding to power the next wave of deepfake defense tech. Led by Khosla Ventures and joined by FUSE, Bling Capital, Ensemble, Alpha Edison, and K5 Tokyo Black, the $16.2 million raise brings Loti's total funding to $23 million, marking a pivotal shift in how seriously the industry is treating digital identity defense, according to Variety. Don't Miss: 'Scrolling To UBI' — Deloitte's #1 fastest-growing software company allows users to earn money on their phones. Hasbro, MGM, and Skechers trust this AI marketing firm — . Loti AI builds protection software for celebrities, influencers, politicians, athletes, and everyday consumers navigating a world where their faces and voices can be cloned in seconds. According to GeekWire, the startup uses proprietary facial and voice recognition to monitor global digital content, flag unauthorized uses, and remove manipulated or infringing media, from deepfake endorsements to fake social media accounts. Founded in 2022 by Luke Arrigoni, Rebekah Arrigoni, and serial entrepreneur Hirak Chhatbar, the company is quickly emerging as a leader in likeness protection. Loti's tech began with a focus on high-profile individuals but recently expanded to include consumer-facing tools that help anyone reclaim control over their digital presence. The funding comes at a pivotal moment. According to Variety, the re-introduction of the No Fakes Act, a bill designed to help artists and public figures protect their voice and likeness, has earned support from tech giants like Google and Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN). Trending: BlackRock is calling 2025 the year of alternative assets. This tailwind in Washington is giving Loti an even stronger foothold as legal infrastructure begins to catch up with AI's rapid evolution. "They come to us to protect their likeness, their IP rights, and now increasingly to manage how they participate in the generative AI economy," said Loti CEO Luke Arrigoni, according to GeekWire. The company has also formed high-level partnerships with talent agencies WME and CAA, as well as Dolphin Entertainment, whose subsidiaries like 42West, The Door, and Elle Communications now have access to Loti's suite of tools, GeekWire writes. Khosla Ventures sees this moment as necessary. "Our thesis around Loti is simple. Generative AI enables new deepfake technology that creates new risks and challenges around fraud and trust – challenges that celebrities, influencers, and brands are not prepared for today," Jon Chu, a partner at Khosla Ventures, said in a statement. "And Loti has world-class technology paired with a category-leading product that has proven itself by protecting A-list celebrities, household name brands, and individuals and local businesses from threats.'Loti's platform has other features beyond detection and takedown. It equips clients with the tools to govern how their likeness is handled across digital ecosystems, spanning everything from social media to streaming sites to AI datasets. The system operates as both a shield and control panel, either by initiating removals or staying ahead of misuse through active monitoring. The startup is also facing competitive pressure, most notably from Sony-backed (NYSE:SONY) Vermillio AI, which raised $16 million last month, according to a statement. But Loti isn't flinching. 'We see new entrants to our space from time to time,' said Arrigoni, 'but they are often deterred by the massive technical complexity of monitoring the internet for face and voices so they pivot out of our space. While I'm sure everyone has decent tech, ours is battle-hardened and bespoke to those that rely on these protections.' Ranked No. 156 on GeekWire's list of top Pacific Northwest startups, Loti is growing fast and showing no signs of slowing down. While revenue numbers remain under wraps, the client list is reportedly "growing exponentially." Read Next: Here's what Americans think you need to be considered wealthy. Deloitte's fastest-growing software company partners with Amazon, Walmart & Target – Image: Shutterstock UNLOCKED: 5 NEW TRADES EVERY WEEK. Click now to get top trade ideas daily, plus unlimited access to cutting-edge tools and strategies to gain an edge in the markets. Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? (AMZN): Free Stock Analysis Report This article Khosla Ventures Leads $16.2M Series A In Loti AI, Backed By WME & CAA, To Shield Celebrities From Deepfake Threats originally appeared on © 2025 Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Khosla Ventures Leads $16.2M Series A In Loti AI, Backed By WME & CAA, To Shield Celebrities From Deepfake Threats
Seattle-based Loti AI has secured $16.2 million in Series A funding to power the next wave of deepfake defense tech. Led by Khosla Ventures and joined by FUSE, Bling Capital, Ensemble, Alpha Edison, and K5 Tokyo Black, the $16.2 million raise brings Loti's total funding to $23 million, marking a pivotal shift in how seriously the industry is treating digital identity defense, according to Variety. Don't Miss: 'Scrolling To UBI' — Deloitte's #1 fastest-growing software company allows users to earn money on their phones. Hasbro, MGM, and Skechers trust this AI marketing firm — . Loti AI builds protection software for celebrities, influencers, politicians, athletes, and everyday consumers navigating a world where their faces and voices can be cloned in seconds. According to GeekWire, the startup uses proprietary facial and voice recognition to monitor global digital content, flag unauthorized uses, and remove manipulated or infringing media, from deepfake endorsements to fake social media accounts. Founded in 2022 by Luke Arrigoni, Rebekah Arrigoni, and serial entrepreneur Hirak Chhatbar, the company is quickly emerging as a leader in likeness protection. Loti's tech began with a focus on high-profile individuals but recently expanded to include consumer-facing tools that help anyone reclaim control over their digital presence. The funding comes at a pivotal moment. According to Variety, the re-introduction of the No Fakes Act, a bill designed to help artists and public figures protect their voice and likeness, has earned support from tech giants like Google and Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN). Trending: BlackRock is calling 2025 the year of alternative assets. This tailwind in Washington is giving Loti an even stronger foothold as legal infrastructure begins to catch up with AI's rapid evolution. "They come to us to protect their likeness, their IP rights, and now increasingly to manage how they participate in the generative AI economy," said Loti CEO Luke Arrigoni, according to GeekWire. The company has also formed high-level partnerships with talent agencies WME and CAA, as well as Dolphin Entertainment, whose subsidiaries like 42West, The Door, and Elle Communications now have access to Loti's suite of tools, GeekWire writes. Khosla Ventures sees this moment as necessary. "Our thesis around Loti is simple. Generative AI enables new deepfake technology that creates new risks and challenges around fraud and trust – challenges that celebrities, influencers, and brands are not prepared for today," Jon Chu, a partner at Khosla Ventures, said in a statement. "And Loti has world-class technology paired with a category-leading product that has proven itself by protecting A-list celebrities, household name brands, and individuals and local businesses from threats.'Loti's platform has other features beyond detection and takedown. It equips clients with the tools to govern how their likeness is handled across digital ecosystems, spanning everything from social media to streaming sites to AI datasets. The system operates as both a shield and control panel, either by initiating removals or staying ahead of misuse through active monitoring. The startup is also facing competitive pressure, most notably from Sony-backed (NYSE:SONY) Vermillio AI, which raised $16 million last month, according to a statement. But Loti isn't flinching. 'We see new entrants to our space from time to time,' said Arrigoni, 'but they are often deterred by the massive technical complexity of monitoring the internet for face and voices so they pivot out of our space. While I'm sure everyone has decent tech, ours is battle-hardened and bespoke to those that rely on these protections.' Ranked No. 156 on GeekWire's list of top Pacific Northwest startups, Loti is growing fast and showing no signs of slowing down. While revenue numbers remain under wraps, the client list is reportedly "growing exponentially." Read Next: Here's what Americans think you need to be considered wealthy. Deloitte's fastest-growing software company partners with Amazon, Walmart & Target – Image: Shutterstock UNLOCKED: 5 NEW TRADES EVERY WEEK. Click now to get top trade ideas daily, plus unlimited access to cutting-edge tools and strategies to gain an edge in the markets. Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? (AMZN): Free Stock Analysis Report This article Khosla Ventures Leads $16.2M Series A In Loti AI, Backed By WME & CAA, To Shield Celebrities From Deepfake Threats originally appeared on © 2025 Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Deepfake Detection Firm Loti AI Expands Access For All Users: 'These Threats Are No Longer Limited to Celebrities' (EXCLUSIVE)
Deepfake detection and takedown service Loti AI revealed that its likeness protection technology is being made publicly available. Previously only offered to public figures and celebrities, the company will now offer tools to anyone 'who wants to safeguard their digital reputation.' 'The internet is getting out of hand, and people's digital reputations are at risk like never before,' said Loti AI CEO Luke Arrigoni. 'From deepfakes to unauthorized illicit content, these threats are no longer limited to celebrities. That's why Loti AI is stepping up to offer everyone tools to take control of their digital identity.' More from Variety A Quarter of All Broadcasters Now Using AI, More Than Doubling Last Year, New Report Finds Ahead of PGA Awards, Guild Says Fighting Runaway Production Is Top Priority: 'We Have to Stand Up and Fight for Los Angeles' AI Was Nearly Used to Recreate the French Voice of Sylvester Stallone. Now, European Dubbers Are Doubling Down on the Need for Protection Loti Ai, which was founded in 2022, will offer free and paid membership options on a rolling basis. The platform scans the internet daily, looking for deepfakes, impersonations, and other misleading unauthorized content. Users have the choice to automate takedowns or handle them individually. The company claims that users of its auto-takedown functionality saw a 95% takedown rate within 17 hours. 'Whether you're an everyday person or a high-profile individual, you should be able to protect your image and personal data online,' Arrigoni said. 'Our goal is simple: to help you reach zero—zero images of you online that you haven't approved.' In addition to online protection, Loti AI's scans also find authorized images, like old photos and videos that could hold sentimental value. Users can sign up at or download the Loti AI app. Last fall, entertainment marketing and production firm Dolphin partnered with Loti AI to provide its subsidiaries — businesses including 42West, The Door, Shore Fire, Special Projects and Elle Communications — access to Loti's tools. The firm also provides feedback to assist Loti (which also has a partnership with WME) in further developing and expanding use of its services. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Oscars 2026: First Blind Predictions Including Timothée Chalamet, Emma Stone, 'Wicked: For Good' and More What's Coming to Disney+ in March 2025
