ÖIAT Research

The Austrian Institute for Applied Telecommunications (ÖIAT) has been promoting the competent, safe and responsible use of digital media for more than 20 years. Together with our partners, we conduct research on current topics related to the digital world. On this page we provide an overview of past and current research projects.

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Fake-Shop Detector

Artificial Intelligence Fraud Fraud Detection Online Shopping

Fake shops inflict substantial economic harm. A dark field study conducted by the Board for Traffic Safety in 2021 estimated that 320,000 consumers in Austria are directly impacted, resulting in financial losses of approximately €16 million. The free tool Fake-Shop Detector provides proactive warnings against fraudulent online retailers directly within the browser, offering Austrian consumers enhanced protection while shopping online.

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Research projects of Watchlist Internet

Consumer Protection Cybercrime Cybersecurity Fraud Fraud Detection Online Shopping

Watchlist Internet is an independent online platform dedicated to combating Internet fraud. The ÖIAT initiative informs individuals and companies about current cases of Internet fraud. It also provides tips on how to protect oneself against Internet fraud. The research department of ÖIAT is linked to the work of Watchlist Internet in many projects, especially in the areas of fraud detection and prevention.

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Youth Internet Monitor

Children & Young People Social Media

The Youth Internet Monitor is a representative study conducted annually on behalf of Saferinternet.at. It analyses how and which social networks and online platforms are used by young people (aged 11 to 17) in Austria and how their media use is changing.

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AdWatch

2026/01 – 2027/06
Cybercrime Fraudulent Advertising Social Media

Internet fraud continues to rise in Austria: 34,069 cases were reported in 2023, which marks an increase of 23.3% compared to the previous year. Social media platforms in particular have become key gateways for cybercriminals, with fraudulent investment ads causing significant financial losses. AdWatch responds to this challenge by using the new tools of the Digital Services Act (DSA). Through data-driven analyses, partially automated detection and reporting systems, and targeted policy recommendations, the project strengthens enforcement, supports authorities, and helps better protect consumers from fraudulent advertising.

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DSA-Monitor

2026/01 – 2027/01
Children & Young People Digital Services Act (DSA) Social Media

The Digital Services Act (DSA) marks a turning point in holding major online platforms accountable for illegal content across the EU. As a Trusted Flagger and long-standing hub for digital security, ÖIAT contributes practical expertise gained through initiatives such as Saferinternet.at and Watchlist Internet, acting as an early warning system for digital risks in Austria. With DSA Monitor, ÖIAT is establishing a central analysis and knowledge hub that delivers evidence-based insights on child and youth protection and barriers for Trusted Flaggers—providing targeted support for authorities and strengthening effective DSA enforcement.

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TGuard

2025/01 – 2026/12
Artificial Intelligence Disinformation Social Media

Disinformation campaigns and fake news pose a serious threat to democratic societies. They undermine trust in the media and public institutions, distort public opinion, and can also cause significant economic damage. Rapid technological advancements—particularly in the areas of automated text, image, and video generation—further exacerbate this issue. While technological capabilities are evolving at a rapid pace, societal discourse and academic research often struggle to keep up. Within the framework of the TGuard project, innovative methods are being developed to detect disinformation on social media platforms and to formulate effective strategies to prevent AI-generated false information.

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eMarketShield

2024/10 – 2026/09
Consumer Protection Food Safety

The distribution of dangerous or unauthorized products as well as misleading, false promises pose safety risks for consumers in Austria – and are currently inadequately addressed on the internet. The eMarketShield project aims to enhance customer safety in online commerce, with a specific focus on dietary supplements and goods subject to the Food Safety and Consumer Protection Act (LMSVG). The results are intended to contribute to market surveillance for all product categories sold online.

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SafeNEM - Safety & Quality in Food Supplements

2024/09 – 2026/08
Food Safety Fraud Detection Online Shopping

People's health is at risk because the digital distribution of dietary supplements makes it easier for dubious and criminal actors to enter the market. SafeNEM is therefore developing 'Alertify', a toolkit that semi-automatically identifies products advertised online with illegal ingredients, problematic product labelling and dishonest health claims.

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defame Fakes – Detection of Deepfakes and Media Manipulation of Images and Videos

2024/01 – 2026/01
Artificial Intelligence Deepfakes Disinformation

What potential threat scenarios does society and the state face with the rise of generative artificial intelligence? In this KIRAS project, led by the AIT in collaboration with various partners, we are exploring methods to detect deepfakes and, most importantly, strategies to mitigate these risks through preventive measures.

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AdGuardians

2025/01 – 2026/01
Fraud Fraud Detection Fraudulent Advertising Social Media

Advertisements for fraudulent investment platforms, dubious miracle cures or supposed brand-name shops: deceptive advertising is booming on online platforms. Whether on social media or through search engines, criminals reach numerous victims for their scams through targeted advertising. This can result in massive financial, health, and emotional damages for consumers. Research conducted by ÖIAT revealed that, on Facebook and Instagram alone, 200,000 people in Austria were exposed to investment fraud advertisements every day.

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