The objective of the VITraDes project is to make using AI in journalism more transparent and in this method add to trustworthy public communication. To that end, the job group is developing practical guidelines for labeling AI-generated content and producing academic resources for media specialists. The interdisciplinary initiative combines professionals from law, journalism and principles. Within the job, the scientists will evaluate existing legal arrangements and self-imposed dedication in journalism as well as arrange workshops with journalists and other appropriate stakeholders. Structure on this, they will develop and examine educational programs.
In addition, the research team will examine how such self-regulatory methods by the media can likewise be adopted by online platforms. The goal is to develop a standard that is not only legally compliant but also convenient in journalistic practice. The job results should not only support the media sector however likewise form a basis for media self-regulation and regulative techniques at the nationwide federal government level. Ultimately, this need to likewise enhance trust in journalism and secure the general public from incorrect details.
Substantial knowledge and results from other projects
Taking part in the project on behalf of the Institute of Journalism (IJ) are Prof. Christina Elmer and research study assistant Lisa-Marie Eckardt, who are contributing their comprehensive competence on using AI applications in journalism and arises from research study tasks on the problem of details adjustment. “Above all, this consists of two EU-funded jobs: In the ‘German-Austrian Digital Media Observatory,’ we are accountable for collaborating the German-language center of the European fact-checking network EDMO, establishing media literacy programs and examining the steps that platforms take against disinformation. In the ADAC.iO project, we are concentrating on projects by foreign stakeholders and evaluating their methods and dissemination mechanisms,” states Teacher Christina Elmer. “In parallel, we can make use of findings from an algorithmic accountability task in cooperation with the Department of Data and from interdisciplinary courses with journalism, statistics and computer technology students,” includes Lisa-Marie Eckardt. IJ tasks such as “AI Media Doctor” (Prof. Holger Wormer) and the research study “Journalism and Democracy” (Prof. Michael Steinbrecher) provide additional valuable insights.
The VITraDes project is led by Prof. Jessica Heesen from the International Center for Ethics in the Sciences and Humanities (IZEW) at the University of Tübingen. Prof. Ruth Janal from the University of Bayreuth is another task partner. In addition, several companies are supporting the job as associated partners, consisting of the public broadcasting business Bayerische Rundfunk (BR), CORRECTIV’s fact-checking neighborhood “Faktenforum”, the AI Center of the broadcasting business Südwestdeutscher Rundfunk, Studio 47 and the Deutscher Journalisten-Verband (DJV), an organization representing the interests of journalists in Germany.
About the funding project
The VITraDes task becomes part of the new funding project “Recognizing, Understanding and Combating Disinformation” of the Federal Ministry of Research Study, Technology and Area. The project will initially money eleven research study jobs up till 2029 that aim to reinforce social and technological resilience against digital disinformation. The initiative becomes part of “Digital. Secure. Sovereign.”, the Federal government’s research framework program on IT security.
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