Pangram’s Max Spero on why AI detection is harder than ‘Real or Fake’

According to TechCrunch, the proliferation of AI-generated content is creating a significant trust deficit across the internet. Max Spero of the startup Pangram highlights that the challenge of identifying synthetic media has moved beyond simple 'real or fake' binary classifications, as AI-generated text and images are increasingly integrated into high-stakes environments like job applications, product reviews, and insurance claims.

As these tools become more sophisticated, platforms are struggling to maintain the integrity of their user-generated content. The report notes that a new wave of startups is emerging to address these detection challenges, though the industry remains in a constant cycle of adaptation as generative models evolve. The difficulty lies in the fact that detection methods often struggle to keep pace with the rapid advancements in AI output quality.

This trend poses broader questions about digital authentication and the future of online verification. As AI becomes more embedded in professional and consumer workflows, the ability to distinguish between human-authored and machine-generated content is becoming a critical infrastructure requirement for digital platforms. Experts suggest that while detection tools are a necessary component, they are unlikely to be a standalone solution to the broader problem of AI-driven misinformation and fraud.