Untapped AI files patent for the handshake that lets AI agents prove who they are before they do business; will offer it free to SA companies

Untapped AI, a Cape Town-based company specializing in multilingual voice AI for South Africa, has filed a patent application with the US Patent and Trademark Office. The patent covers a method that enables two AI agents communicating over a call to establish their identities before any sensitive information is exchanged. This innovation aims to address the growing issue of AI fraud, which is already causing significant financial losses in South Africa, with banks losing billions of rands annually due to impersonation.

The new system employs a secure "handshake" that both AI agents must pass in order for a conversation to move from a regular audio connection to a secure data link. This handshake involves a unique encryption process that is continuously updated, making it difficult for malicious agents to breach. If an AI agent is unable to pass the handshake, it is automatically flagged and denied access, thus protecting the network from potential threats.

Untapped AI envisions a future where machine-to-machine communication will surpass human-to-machine interactions, making this technology increasingly relevant. Their patent is designed to protect this future by ensuring that only verified AI agents can engage in secure communications, thereby preventing impersonation and other forms of fraud. The encryption and handshake mechanism is integrated into their existing voice platform, providing an additional layer of security without compromising the user experience.

Untapped AI plans to offer this protective technology free of charge to South African businesses, starting with banking and healthcare sectors where fraud poses the greatest risk. The company has chosen this approach deliberately to foster a secure ecosystem without monopolizing the market. While Untapped AI will provide the handshake technology to its domestic clients at no cost, they will negotiate terms with international partners on a case-by-case basis, ensuring that the security features remain accessible to all while preventing any single entity from dominating the market.