Snapchat acquires deepfake startup AI Factory for $166 million

Snapchat-maker Snap has acquired AI Factory, a startup developing image and video recognition technology. Snap reportedly made the purchase for $166 million to power its new 'Cameos' feature that lets users insert their selfies into an existing scene, similar to deepfakes. AI Factory was founded by Victor Shaburov, who also founded facial-recognition startup Looksery, acquired by Snap in 2015.