US-based audit, tax and advisory company KPMG LLP has acquired a minority stake in Reality Defender, a platform designed to detect deepfakes.
Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Reality Defender’s multimodal detection technology integrates with communications platforms, business applications and enterprise workflows.
It assesses the authenticity of voice and video in real time, enabling organisations to respond to suspected impersonation attempts and fraud.
According to KPMG LLP, the technology can help address AI-generated impersonation, fraud and synthetic media threats.
The investment will allow KPMG to incorporate deepfake detection capabilities into its cyber and fraud prevention practices, amid efforts to identify new methods to verify the authenticity of increasingly widespread deepfake content.
Reality Defender co-founder and CEO Ben Colman said: “AI is changing how organisations operate and how attackers exploit trust.
“For years, people treated a familiar voice or face as proof of identity. Today, highly convincing synthetic media challenges that assumption.
“Together with KPMG, we can help organisations strengthen defences against AI-enabled fraud while preserving trust in the digital interactions that power modern business.”
The deal forms part of KPMG’s wider focus on helping clients adopt AI while managing associated risks through its cyber, risk and transformation practice.
It also highlights the growing role of trust infrastructure as AI changes how organisations communicate, conduct transactions and make decisions, the professional services operator added.
KPMG LLP Cyber and Technology Risk Global Financial Services lead Matthew P. Miller said: “For decades, people trusted what they could see and hear. That is no longer enough.
“Organisations need a detection layer that stops synthetic media. We are excited to bring these capabilities to clients as they work to stay ahead of emerging threats.”
Earlier this year, KPMG acquired a stake in AI-driven credits and incentives technology company Incentify.
“KPMG LLP acquires stake in deepfake detection business Reality Defender” was originally created and published by International Accounting Bulletin, a GlobalData owned brand.