In an era where personal data theft and relentless spam calls have become the norm, Cloaked emerges as a trailblazer in safeguarding individual privacy through cutting-edge technology. Supported by Lux Capital, the startup has recently rolled out an innovative AI-powered caller screening feature called Call Guard. Unlike traditional methods that rely solely on user discretion or pre-established blacklists, Cloaked’s approach dives deeper—actively understanding the caller’s intent using artificial intelligence. This shift from reactive to proactive security represents a substantial leap forward in personal privacy protection.
Call Guard functions by engaging unknown callers in a conversation, examining their responses to determine whether they pose a threat or represent legitimate communication. This intelligent interaction goes beyond simple caller ID checks, effectively filtering out spam, scams, or malicious AI agents. Users are empowered to observe the entire transcript of the call in real time, granting transparency and control over their interactions. By automating this screening process, Cloaked alleviates the burden on users, who would otherwise have to sift through unwanted calls manually, often with limited success.
What sets Cloaked apart is its strategic integration of existing telephony infrastructure and innovative features like virtual phone numbers and call forwarding. These tools serve as a fortress for personal identity, allowing users to mask their real numbers while maintaining seamless communication. The company’s approach reflects a nuanced understanding that modern scams are increasingly sophisticated, including the use of AI-generated voices imitating trusted contacts. Cloaked’s AI system isn’t just reactive; it’s evolving, learning to detect and counteract these advanced threats, making the platform more resilient over time.
Proactive Monitoring and Data Defense in an Unforgiving Digital Landscape
Beyond call screening, Cloaked expands its security reach with a dark web monitoring service designed to screen for leaked personal data. Operating across forums like Discord, Telegram, breach sites, and data broker platforms, this feature actively searches for sensitive information such as Social Security numbers, addresses, passports, and even family details. When leaks are detected, users receive prompt alerts, enabling them to take swift action—whether that’s requesting removal through legal channels or changing compromised information.
This proactive stance demonstrates Cloaked’s recognition that personal protection isn’t confined to preventing unwanted calls; it extends to controlling one’s digital footprint. The company’s effort to assist users in deleting their records from notorious data brokers—having already helped purge over 170 million entries—illustrates its commitment to comprehensive privacy. By integrating legal and automated removal processes, Cloaked offers a tangible solution to the pervasive problem of data leakage, which often remains hidden and uncontrollable for individuals.
Furthermore, Cloaked’s upcoming projects like an eSIM product promise to further decentralize and anonymize user communications. Combining this with its dark web monitoring system, the startup envisions a future where consumers have full command over their digital identity, shielded from both obvious threats like scam calls and less visible invasions of privacy.
Challenging Tech Giants and Embracing Personalized Security
While giants like Apple, Google, and third-party apps such as Truecaller have incorporated basic AI-driven call screening into their products, Cloaked positions itself as a more personalized, adaptable alternative. Arjun Bhatnagar, Cloaked’s CEO, argues that although the tech behemoths attract initial user interest, retention remains a challenge—mainly due to a lack of tailored features. Cloaked aims to fill this gap, offering a highly customizable experience that adapts to individual threat levels and needs.
This emphasis on personalization not only enhances user engagement but also demonstrates a strategic awareness of market limitations. Large companies tend to offer one-size-fits-all solutions, leaving many users disillusioned or unprotected against evolved threats like AI-generated scam calls. Cloaked’s approach counters this by focusing on continual learning and adaptability, making it a serious contender for those who demand more than generic security features.
Looking ahead, Cloaked is venturing into outbound call automation with AI bots capable of handling customer support, scheduling appointments, or providing service inquiries—all while maintaining user protection. Coupled with its privacy-focused infrastructure and dark web monitoring, this expansion emphasizes a comprehensive approach that reconnects communication functionalities with rigorous security standards.
A Future Where Your Privacy Is in Your Hands
Cloaked’s aggressive push into AI-driven privacy tools signals a broader paradigm shift—the realization that individual security must be proactively managed, not passively accepted. The company’s innovative features challenge the complacency of larger tech giants, offering a level of personalization and intelligence that current market offerings lack. Its commitment to empowering users by giving them control over their digital identities and communication channels could redefine how personal privacy is perceived and protected in the digital age.
Crucially, Cloaked insists on transparency and user empowerment—providing real-time call transcripts, clear alerts about data breaches, and avenues for data removal. If successful, their model could serve as a blueprint for a future where privacy isn’t an afterthought but a core feature. In a landscape riddled with privacy breaches, Cloaked’s bold strides suggest that individual security can be both sophisticated and accessible, reshaping our expectations for personal data protection in the years ahead.