In this episode of AI, Government, and the Future, host Marc Leh engages in an insightful conversation with Eric Wengrowski, co-founder and CEO of Steg AI, a digital watermarking startup using deep learning to authenticate digital media. Eric shares his journey from studying electrical and computer engineering to becoming passionate about computer vision and AI, which led to the founding of Steg AI.

The discussion delves into the pressing need for digital asset authentication in an age where deepfakes and AI-generated content are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Eric explains Steg AI's unique approach to forensic watermarking, which uses imperceptible changes to digital assets to provide robust, tamper-evident content credentials. This technology has wide-ranging applications, from protecting creative works to ensuring the authenticity of government communications.

Eric highlights the potential of their technology in combating misinformation, securing election integrity, and enhancing trust in government-citizen communication. He also discusses Steg AI's involvement in developing standards for AI-generated content authentication and their collaboration with entities like the Singaporean IMDA and the U.S. National Security Council.

The conversation touches on the balance between innovation and responsible AI deployment, the importance of data quality in AI training, and the role of AI in preventing information leaks. Eric offers insights into upcoming Steg AI products, including DeepFake Shield, designed to protect digital assets against unauthorized AI-driven manipulations.

Throughout the episode, Eric emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to digital security, combining AI-powered tools with traditional cybersecurity practices. He concludes by inviting camera manufacturers and software developers to partner with Steg AI to integrate watermarked content credentials at the point of capture, potentially revolutionizing digital asset authentication.

Eric Wengrowski is the co-founder and CEO of Steg AI, a digital watermarking startup that uses digital watermarks and deep learning to authenticate digital media. He holds a Ph.D. from Rutgers University, where he focused on computer vision and photographic steganography.

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