Online harms detection and investigation tools using a short development cycle model

Expected Outcome:Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes:Police Authorities in Europe benefit from a rapid deployment of targeted detection and investigation tools and related training materials, specifically tailored to counter current, foreseeable and emerging online harms at the outset of each development cycle;Police Authorities in Europe are provided with a flexible framework for adaptation via creation of a modular toolset that allows for the incorporation of new functionalities and updates based on the latest trends and threats in online harms;Enhanced European stakeholder collaboration through facilitation of partnerships among researchers, policymakers, and Police Authorities in Europe to ensure that tools are not only effective but also user-friendly, legally and ethically sound. Scope:As the digital landscape continues to evolve, so too do the myriads of online harms that threaten citizens’ security and well-being. To address these challenges, we invite proposals for the development of detection and investigation tools that employ short development cycle models. This approach emphasizes agility and responsiveness, ensuring that tools can quickly adapt to emerging online threats, such as identity theft, disinformation, deepfakes, spoofing, phishing, digital violence, or, e.g., tools for an early detection as well as real-time monitoring and risk assessment that can identify potential fraudulent sales (“online payment fraud”) before they occur.This topic welcomes innovative ideas focused on creating efficient detection and investigation tools to combat varying forms of online harms, which should be selected at the beginning of every new development cycle, in agreement with all stakeholders involved in the consortia, especially including concrete needs of Police Authorities. The emphasis on short development cycles allows proposals to remain dynamic, responsive to the fast-paced nature of online threats, and capa