Cluely, a company that recently gained attention online, asserts that its covert browser tool can evade detection while assisting with tasks ranging from job interviews to exams. Rival startups, however, insist their products are capable of spotting users who rely on Cluely’s technology and have publicly challenged the company’s claims.
Following Cluely’s viral moment, San Francisco-based Validia introduced Truely, a free application that raises alerts if it finds Cluely running on a device. Meanwhile, Proctaroo out of Rhode Island has stated its monitoring platform detects hidden programs, with its CEO branding Cluely’s business practices as questionable.
Escalating the Digital Arms Race
Despite these accusations, Cluely’s CEO claims anti-cheating efforts are largely ineffective, likening them to decades of unsuccessful attempts to curb cheating in gaming. He says the firm may pivot to producing physical tech, such as smart glasses or in-body brain chips, which could bypass anti-cheating software entirely.
The team points to the relative ease of advancing into hardware, referencing potential devices from discreet eyewear to recording necklaces. Although setbacks in AI hardware development have been widely reported, Cluely remains confident about realizing its future plans.
Public criticism has triggered some reconsideration at Cluely, leading to recent adjustments in their online materials. Mentions of helping people cheat on sensitive activities like exams or interviews have been withdrawn, with the company now focusing its pitch on business situations such as sales meetings.
AI cheating detection has become a hot topic as more companies challenge the limits of surveillance and automation. Cluely’s leadership says the decision to change their messaging comes from a focus on entering the most influential markets first. As the company looks ahead, it envisions broader use of AI in daily work, aiming to expand into areas where automated assistance can make the biggest impact.
