Converus, the developer of this free app, claims to use artificial intelligence to achieve an accuracy rate of up to 80%.
Like Stanford’s AI, which accurately predicted the probable age of death of a patient, artificial intelligence models are now used for all purposes, more or less useful. From improving the taste of beer to cyberhacking, ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot and Claude are part of our daily lives.
From there to helping us detect the lies of our interlocutors, as the EU did with iBorderCtrl, there is only one step that the company Converus took a year ago, who developed a free application on Android and iOS, called “ VerifEye “. It offers the promise of detecting lies. No more no less. And the least we can say is that it’s creating a buzz, especially on Reddit.
A recreational application, intended for the general public, which nevertheless appeals to professionals
VerifEye mainly finds its relevance with certain professionals wishing to verify the public’s declarations. For example, Utah-based recruiting company IsoTalent used it to do background checks on Mexican nurses. Its CEO and co-founder, Paul Ahlstrom, said: “ Using VerifEye as a pre-screening tool for new hires can reduce recruitment costs by 20% “.
Todd Mickelsen, CEO of Converus, also clarified last year: “ The ability to check the truth affordably, accurately and quickly through an app, anywhere, anytime and in almost any language has sparked worldwide interest. We have had discussions with several large companies – one of which has the potential to perform over a million tests per year “.
Despite its promising potential, this innovation could encounter obstacles. According to BGR, it is not certain that the courts can rely on this application to establish facts. Other users of Reddit wonder whether it will still be usable once the EU’s recently adopted AI Act comes into force.
For now, the service is available for download in France. It is possible to perform a demo test (without obtaining results) and it is necessary to obtain a test link from a provider to use this truth checker.
AI or 50-year-old technology, an announced accuracy rate of up to 80%
Although Converus does not explicitly confirm that AI is the driving force, the app reportedly uses machine learning to analyze eye movements and behavioral patterns to detect lies and dishonest statements.
Converus nevertheless claims that close monitoring of eye movements, among other indicators, can allow its VerifEye app to detect lies up to 80% of the time. The app simply asks users to point their smartphone camera at the respondent to perform its analysis.
In its marketing videos, Converus touts VerifEye as a tool that could be a game-changer in all kinds of situations, whether it’s corporate screening, verifying someone’s identity on a dating profile, or even detecting an unfaithful spouse. The company presents it as an essential tool for checking the truth on a daily basis.
The science of using the eyes to detect deception dates back decades. Since the 1970s, theories have been circulating that aspects such as pupil dilation and blink speed could indicate that someone is not being entirely sincere. However, some of the most popular claims about how the eyes behave in detecting lies have been debunked by a 2012 study, conducted by Plos One.
Source : BGR, Reddit, Plos One
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