Koat.ai Keynote at SecureLA Explores Role of AI in Strengthening Public Safety Ahead of Major Events

At this year’s SecureLA Security & Technology Roundtable, attendees participated in a compelling keynote delivered by Koat.ai, featuring Co-Founder Connor Ross and Founder & CEO Dallas Toth. The presentation addressed the escalating threat of digital disinformation and emphasized the critical importance of leveraging real-time, AI-powered intelligence to protect public safety.

The keynote explored the convergence of open-source intelligence, public trust, and AI-driven data analysis, with Toth drawing on his unique background—transitioning from operating bot farms to building advanced detection systems. He shared how this evolution inspired Koat.ai’s mission to equip public agencies with the tools needed to monitor, analyze, and respond to disinformation campaigns with speed and accuracy. Toth also underscored the widespread impact of fake accounts, online manipulation, and the persistent failure of major platforms to curb bot activity that erodes both user trust and institutional stability. Referencing high-profile incidents such as the GameStop short squeeze, foreign election interference, and geopolitical disinformation surrounding the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Toth illustrated the real-world consequences of coordinated misinformation.

Koat.ai’s technical framework was also spotlighted, showcasing a modular AI architecture and advanced ETL pipelines designed to streamline the collection and transformation of high-volume data sets. These systems significantly reduce the cognitive burden on analysts, enabling faster, more informed decision-making. A featured case study on civil unrest in Los Angeles demonstrated the platform’s ability to process over 200,000 social media posts, isolate sentiment shifts, and flag escalating narratives and threat actors in real time.

Additionally, Toth introduced Koat.ai’s reporting capabilities, including formats such as InSum and STIX reports, which help law enforcement and municipal departments communicate effectively and respond to emerging threats with clarity and consistency. Attendees actively engaged in the session, offering insights that reinforced the urgency of adopting cross-functional technologies to support interagency coordination and preparedness.

The keynote concluded with a broader panel discussion on the future of AI in public safety operations. Ross and Toth were joined by Sebastian Smith (Genetec), Eric Camerino (Bosch), and Cory Sichi (Milestone), who spoke to the importance of platform interoperability, the growing influence of generative AI, and the value of sustained public-private collaboration in addressing rapidly evolving threats.

As Southern California continues to host high-visibility events—from concerts and conventions to regional sporting competitions—SecureLA reaffirmed a central message: that advanced technology, integrated intelligence, and regional collaboration are essential in building safer, more resilient communities.