Hany Farid

Hany Farid is a professor of computer science and chief science officer at GetReal, specializing in image analysis, digital forensics, and the intersection of technology and society particularly as it pertains to online harms and fake images developed through artificial intelligence.

He is widely known for his TED Talk entitled, "How to Spot Fake AI Photos."

He is a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, with a joint appointment in Electrical Engineering & Computer Sciences and the School of Information. Farid is recognized for his work in digital forensics, focusing on the detection and authentication of digital images, videos, and audio, as well as efforts to combat misinformation and algorithmic amplification. He developed technologies such as PhotoDNA, a tool used internationally to identify and remove child exploitation imagery, and has contributed to the creation of systems for detecting and filtering extremist content online.

Farid has served as a consultant for non-profits, government agencies, and news organizations, and has testified before Congress on topics including deepfakes, online radicalization, and the responsibilities of technology companies in moderating harmful content. He is the author of the book "Photo Forensics," which examines the science behind detecting digital manipulation.

Farid has received honors including the Alfred P. Sloan Fellowship, the John Simon Guggenheim Fellowship, and election as a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors and the IEEE. His leadership roles at Dartmouth College and UC Berkeley, along with advisory work and media appearances, reflect his engagement with challenges in digital forensics, online safety, and authenticity. Farid's contributions have influenced both the technical development of digital forensics and the shaping of public policy and industry standards for online content moderation.