Using Google Magika to build an AI-powered file type detector

Magika, an AI-powered solution developed by Google, addresses the limitations of traditional file type detection methods by using deep learning models trained on over 25 million files to achieve over 99 percent accuracy and recall. Unlike conventional methods reliant on file extensions or static byte signatures, Magika reads the entire content and structure of files to determine their type, making it highly effective even against obfuscated or complex files. With a compact 1MB model size optimized for efficiency on basic CPUs, Magika proves advantageous for applications such as web browsers, antivirus software, and email filters by enhancing security and accuracy. Additionally, it can identify textual file types like source codes, which are typically challenging for traditional tools. Google's implementation of Magika has resulted in a 50 percent improvement in file type identification over previous systems, enabling enhanced security and streamlined processes in applications like Gmail, Google Drive, and Safe Browsing. Magika's integration into web applications, as demonstrated through a Next.js and React demo, showcases its capability to facilitate accurate file type detection for better syntax highlighting and language support in code editors, among other potential uses.