Cloaked: AI-Powered Caller Screening & Privacy App

Cloaked Launches AI-Powered Identity Protection Features

Cloaked, a consumer application focused on safeguarding user identities, has introduced a new suite of features. These include AI-driven caller screening and comprehensive dark web monitoring, both available starting today.

AI-Powered Caller Screening: Call Guard

Cloaked’s new Call Guard feature utilizes artificial intelligence to screen incoming calls from unfamiliar numbers. Instead of immediately connecting the call, the system engages in a conversation with the caller to ascertain their purpose.

This automated process effectively filters out spam and potential scam calls, relieving users of the burden of manual identification. Similar functionalities have been implemented by Google for Pixel devices and are slated for release on Apple’s iOS 26. Other companies, such as Truecaller, also employ AI in their call screening technologies.

Users retain the ability to review a complete transcript of the conversation in real-time. This allows for intervention and call takeover if desired. Cloaked leveraged existing phone infrastructure developed for its identity masking product, which enables users to generate temporary phone numbers, alongside call forwarding capabilities, to bolster protection against fraudulent activities.

Understanding Caller Intent with AI

“Our approach centers on discerning the caller’s intent through AI, moving beyond simple name and reason requests,” explained Arjun Bhatnagar, CEO of Cloaked. “User data reveals a significant volume of spam, including Medicare-related calls and political solicitations.”

He further noted an emerging trend of calls originating from malicious AI agents, and the company is actively training its AI to counter these threats.

Competitive Advantage and Personalization

Bhatnagar acknowledged the similarities between Cloaked’s feature and those offered by tech giants like Apple and Google. However, he highlighted lower retention rates for those larger-scale implementations.

This is attributed to a lack of personalized experiences, creating an opportunity for specialized startups like Cloaked to deliver more tailored solutions.

Future Developments: Outbound Calls and eSIM

Cloaked’s initial focus is on managing inbound calls. The company intends to expand its capabilities to include outbound call functionality. This will involve deploying AI-powered bots to manage hold times during customer support interactions or appointment scheduling.

Furthermore, Cloaked is currently developing an eSIM product to enhance user flexibility and security.

Dark Web Monitoring for Personal Data

In addition to call screening, Cloaked is launching a dark web monitoring service designed to detect compromised personal data. The system actively scans various sources, including data brokers, breach databases, compromised websites, and platforms like Discord and Telegram.

The tool searches for sensitive information such as names, addresses, Social Security numbers, email addresses, family member details, passport information, and driver’s licenses.

Users receive immediate alerts when leaked data is identified. The service categorizes leaks as either recent/active or historical, assisting users in prioritizing their response efforts.

Data Deletion Services

Cloaked also provides a data deletion program. Through this service, users can request the removal of their data from websites and data brokers.

The company submits both automated and legally-backed requests to facilitate data removal, having already assisted users in eliminating over 170 million records from the web.

Growth and Funding

Cloaked reports exceeding 100,000 paying customers since the start of the year, demonstrating substantial month-over-month growth.

The startup had previously secured $29 million in funding up to 2023. Bhatnagar announced an additional $11 million in investment from a combination of existing and new investors. Details regarding the funding round and specific investors are being withheld pending the completion of a formal funding round later this year.