The rapid development of digital technologies in recent years has opened up both fascinating and unsettling possibilities, particularly in the area of synthetic content and deepfakes. This sophisticated AI-generated audio, image and video content is now so realistic that it is almost indistinguishable from real footage.
With the exponential increase in the performance of systems and language models based on artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), not only the quantity but the quality of deepfakes is improving rapidly. This poses dangers – for trust, security and the perception of reality in our society.
Efforts to combat deepfakes are currently focused on two major areas:
- Detection: Development of AI algorithms to identify deepfakes
- Prevention: Implementation of authentication mechanisms for digital content.
Despite significant progress in these areas, major challenges remain, such as the generalizability and scalability of AI deepfake detection systems and the establishment of a manipulation-resistant standard for image metadata.
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The task: Develop a prototype that reliably detects deepfakes images from various media content and/or protects existing infrastructures from the use of deepfakes with preventive measures.
The prototype must demonstrate how deepfakes images can be reliably detected and authenticated. It can be AI-supported and should be able to continuously adapt to new deepfake techniques. At least three different use cases (e.g. social media, news portals, video conferencing systems) will be demonstrated by the end of the process. Scalability and adaptability to different digital platforms are essential.
The Funke runs over a period of 13 months. A jury of renowned experts supports SPRIND in evaluating the Funke applications and selects up to 14 teams to participate in the first stage.
Participating in this Funke requires the highest levels of commitments towards the cause. SPRIND therefore provides extensive and individual support. This includes financing for each team up to 350,000 euros in stage 1 of the Funken. After seven months, the jury will reconvene to evaluate interim results and decide which approaches have demonstrated the greatest potential for breakthrough innovation. These teams will be given the chance to continue until the end of the Funke in a second stage, which will be financed with up to 375,000 euros per team.
Applications received after October 18, 2024, 18:00 CET can no longer be considered.
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Do you have further questions? Please feel free to contact us at challenge@sprind.org
