On March 16, 2026, the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) in Berlin hosted the kick-off event for the launch of BMFTR-funded projects aimed at combating disinformation, titled “Detecting and Countering Digital Disinformation.” Dr. Alexandra-Gwyn Paetz, Head of the Department for Technological Sovereignty and Innovation at the BMFTR, delivered the opening speech and presented the funding certificates. During the event, all funded projects were introduced, including ClaimGuard, which belongs to the thematic cluster “Protecting Our Society as a Whole from Disinformation” and in which CAIS is involved.
About the ClaimGuard Project
ClaimGuard focuses on collaborative human-AI fact-checking to prevent and counter disinformation. The goal of the project is to develop the ClaimGuard app in cooperation with the practice partner codetekt. The app will support citizens in verifying information through collaborative AI dialogues, promote media literacy, and provide a data foundation for further initiatives.
The project partners include:
- codetekt e.V. (non-profit organization)
- Prof. Hendrik Heuer, Head of the CAIS Research Program “Design of Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence”
- Prof. Thomas Kosch, Humboldt University of Berlin
- Prof. Maurice Jakesch, Bauhaus University Weimar
- Prof. Iris Kirchner-Freis, Hugo Grotius gGmbH
The project is funded from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2029.
Panel Discussion on Digital Resilience
In addition to the project presentations, the kick-off event featured a panel discussion on “Strengthening Digital Resilience: The Role of Research in the Fight Against Disinformation.” Participants included, next to Dr. Alexandra-Gwyn Paetz, Prof. Martin Steinebach (Head of Media Security and IT Forensics, Fraunhofer SIT), Prof. Jessica Heesen (Head of the Research Group Media Ethics, Philosophy of Technology & AI, University of Tübingen), Stefan Voß (Head of Verification, dpa), Merve Kayikci (Innovation Manager, SWR X Lab). and Sven Meyer-Ottens (Head of Forum Innovative Technologies, Federal Intelligence Service). The discussion provided a space for exchange between researchers, practical partners, and policymakers. The event was moderated by Alexa von Busse.
(from left to right) | Photo: BMFTR