Deepfakes are no longer distant threats, they are operational risks. From 26 to 29 January 2026, Deepfake Detection Challenge: LIVE ’26 will bring detection tools, researchers and practitioners face to face with real-world synthetic media threat scenarios, in a four-day, in-person challenge hosted at Microsoft’s London offices.
Image source: Envato
Designed as an adversarial, high-intensity exercise, LIVE ’26 moves beyond panels and demos. Instead, it places participants inside live RED vs BLUE challenge rounds, where sophisticated deepfake scenarios are deployed and detection capabilities are tested under pressure, in real time.
The event brings together government, industry, academia and technology teams to confront one of the fastest-moving digital threats facing the UK and beyond. Using the UK Deepfake Detection Dataset, participants will examine how current tools perform against synthetic media designed to deceive, disrupt and destabilise, and where critical gaps remain.
LIVE ’26 builds on a year of national benchmarking and trials, offering insight into how detection can support national security, safeguarding, election integrity and public trust in an era of rapidly advancing generative AI.
The challenge is in-person only, with limited spaces available. Interested participants are invited to register for a ticket, after which organisers will follow up to capture further details. A detailed agenda and challenge briefing materials will be shared in early January.
Event details
Dates: 26 – 29 January 2026
Location: Microsoft Offices, 2 Kingdom Street, Paddington, London W2 6BD
Format: High-level briefings, interactive scenario walkthroughs, immersive live demos, and fast-paced challenge rounds
Registration: Interested in joining? Registration is open via Eventbrite
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