On 10 July 2024, the research alliance news-polygraph took part in a remarkable event: the Forum Bellevue on the Transformation of Society, held at the invitation of Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in cooperation with the ZEIT STIFTUNG BUCERIUS at Schloss Bellevue in Berlin. Representing news-polygraph was alliance coordinator Felix Briegel from transfermedia.
Exploring the Digital Public Sphere
Under the theme “Digital Public Sphere – Do We Need a New Age of Enlightenment?”, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Ressa and AI expert Meredith Whittaker joined the Federal President in a thought-provoking discussion on the challenges and opportunities facing a society undergoing digital transformation. Key topics included disinformation, the impact of artificial intelligence on opinion-shaping and democratic processes, and data governance.
A Clear Message: Europe Must Act Together
In his opening speech, President Steinmeier emphasised the importance of shaping technological developments such as AI in ways that serve the public good. He called for the establishment of European standards to counter data-driven platform capitalism and autocratic surveillance.
The discussions made it clear: safeguarding trust in information requires not only education and media literacy, but also technological solutions that serve democracy.
news-polygraph’s contribution: research for trustworthy media environments
This is precisely where news-polygraph comes in: Funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), the research alliance is developing an AI-driven technology platform designed to detect manipulative media content such as deepfakes and fake news. In collaboration with ten partners from science, media and technology, the project aims to strengthen journalistic verification processes – and thereby support the resilience of democratic public spheres.
Recognition and Motivation
The opportunity to engage in dialogue at Schloss Bellevue was both a recognition of the alliance’s ongoing work and an inspiration to continue on its path. news-polygraph extends its heartfelt thanks to the Office of the Federal President and the ZEIT STIFTUNG BUCERIUS, particularly Manuel J. Hartung and Jessica Staschen, for organising and hosting this forward-looking event.
