![Hiya acquires deepfake voice detection company Loccus.ai](/sites/default/files/2024-07/Hiya%20acquires%20deepfake%20voice%20detection%20company%20Loccus.ai_.png)
Hiya acquires deepfake voice detection company Loccus.ai
Hiya, a provider of global voice security services, has acquired Loccus.ai, an innovator in deepfake detection technology. Loccus.ai's real-time identification of AI-generated voices sets a new industry standard for detection accuracy.
This acquisition merges Hiya's Adaptive AI fraud prevention system with Loccus.ai's advanced voice detection capabilities, delivering unparalleled fraud call protection for businesses and carriers. The comprehensive solution supports multiple languages, formats, and platforms, including video recordings and live calls on all devices.
Loccus.ai's deepfake voice detection technology is now branded as Hiya AI Voice Detection. Deepfake voices, or voice-cloning scams, use AI to mimic individuals, saying things they never actually said. Loccus.ai's technology, the most advanced in the world, can identify AI-generated voices with just 1.5 seconds of audio, alerting users to scams in real-time.
Businesses and carriers can seamlessly integrate Hiya AI Voice Detection into their services and applications, enhancing consumer trust and security. This technology is versatile, capable of identifying deepfake audio in personal communication apps, news and social media content, video conferencing, contact centre platforms, and more.
The rise of deepfakes and video impersonation scams, which use AI voice cloning, poses a growing threat of voice fraud. According to Hiya's research with OnePoll in July 2024, 27% of US consumers and 18% of UK consumers believe they were targeted by an AI deepfake voice scam between April and July this year. Notably, Arup, the UK engineering firm known for the Sydney Opera House, reported a $25 million loss in May to a deepfake scam. An Arup employee was tricked into transferring funds during an AI-generated video call posing as senior company officers. The increasing sophistication of generative AI (GenAI) technology makes it easier for scammers to impersonate others, with the elderly and youth often being the most vulnerable.
“The acquisition of Loccus.ai creates a tremendous opportunity for us to offer the most complete and intelligent voice protection solution,” said Hiya CEO and Founder Alex Algard. “The Loccus.ai team are experts in AI-generated voice detection. By bringing together the power of the Hiya Voice Security Platform with Loccus.ai’s deepfake voice detection, our solutions are ready for the era of GenAI.”
“We are thrilled to be joining Hiya in the fight against voice spam and fraud,” said Loccus.ai CEO and Founder Manel Terraza. “Joining Hiya allows us to help more customers leverage Loccus.ai voice detection with the industry-leading voice security offering, as we scale to 500+ million global users across the Hiya network.”