Converus (Lehi, UT) CEO Todd Mickelson outlines how EyeDetect, an AI-driven lie detection technology, can help the U.S. government save $29 billion annually by streamlining security, vetting, and investigative processes.
Lehi, Utah - May 6, 2025
By Todd Mickelson, CEO of Converus
If Elon Musk and DOGE want to help reduce the U.S. government’s $37 trillion deficit, we believe they can find another $29 billion in annual savings—just by looking into people’s eyes.
Those savings could be achieved by replacing or supplementing outdated vetting tools like the polygraph with our automated, AI-based lie detection technology, EyeDetect.
I’ve run the numbers. And here’s how we get there.
Our technology can streamline operations and cut costs across four key areas:
Why such dramatic savings? EyeDetect is seven times faster than polygraph—and costs about 1/30th as much.
Today, the government relies heavily on the polygraph—a tool developed over a century ago. For example, the federal government needs to process 2 million security clearances each year, but there’s currently a backlog of 200,000 cases, with wait times averaging over 200 days. Clearly, it’s time to explore more efficient options.
EyeDetect checks all the boxes.
We launched EyeDetect in 2014, and it’s quickly gaining traction. It’s now used in over 60 countries by more than 1,000 customers—including 100+ U.S. law enforcement agencies.
Outside the U.S., EyeDetect is often favored as a first-line screening tool because of its speed and non-invasiveness. Twelve peer-reviewed studies back the science, showing up to 91% accuracy in detecting deception.
Since 2018, the U.S. State Department has administered over 50,000 EyeDetect tests worldwide. These tests have enhanced the hiring and periodic vetting of local law enforcement partners in the global fight against drug and human trafficking. I’ve personally demonstrated and discussed this technology with agencies including the Department of Defense, NSA, DHS, FBI, Secret Service, and several members of Congress.
Unlike polygraphs, EyeDetect doesn’t require body sensors or a trained examiner. Instead, it uses computer-based testing and algorithms to measure involuntary changes in eye behavior—such as movement, pupil dilation, and blink rate—while the subject answers a series of true/false questions.
I’m not suggesting we eliminate polygraphs entirely. In fact, EyeDetect can complement them by serving as a first step in a multi-phase process. If our system flags someone, they can then be referred to a polygraph for deeper investigation. When both tests point to deception on the same issue, there’s a 99% probability the person is lying.
That level of confidence is almost unheard of in lie detection.
EyeDetect empowers agencies to modernize their trustworthiness evaluations—faster, more affordably, and with high scientific accuracy. It’s time for the U.S. government to adopt advanced credibility assessment tools like ours and start saving $29 billion annually.
For more information, visit: converus.com/save29b
Today's guest author is Todd Mickelsen, President and CEO of Converus, a Lehi, Utah-based technology company specializing in AI-driven lie detection. With nearly 30 years of senior leadership experience in high tech, including in several of Utah's key tech companies, Todd has led teams in business development, sales, and product management at both startups and global software leaders.
At Converus, Todd leads the development and global adoption of EyeDetect and has personally demonstrated the technology to officials across key government agencies, including the CIA, FBI, U.S. State Department, Secret Service, Department of Defense, National Security Agency, Department of Homeland Security, and several members of the U.S. Congress.
Before joining Converus, Todd served as Director of Product Management at Ancestry.com. He also co-founded NextPage, a content management software company, and served as Managing Director of its European operations.
Throughout his career, Todd has consistently driven innovation at the intersection of technology and trust—bringing forward solutions that modernize outdated processes and deliver measurable impact.