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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#NoAds? Stealth Advertising on TikTok

2024/12 – 2025/05
Consumer Protection Dark Patterns Social Media

As TikTok has rapidly evolved into one of the leading social media platforms, a complex advertising ecosystem has emerged. This system encompasses a wide range of advertising formats and marketing tools: from official (and paid) advertisements, influencer marketing, and brand collaborations to live commerce features and branded challenges. The aim of this study, commissioned by the Vienna Chamber of Labour, is to examine advertising and sponsored content on the TikTok platform.

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Generative Artificial Intelligence and Consumer Protection

2024/08 – 2025/01
Artificial Intelligence Consumer Protection Discrimination & Bias

The study aims to investigate the extent to which generative AI technology affects Austrian consumers in customer-facing applications. The potential impacts of generative AI on consumer experiences will be analyzed and relevant applications currently in use identified. Additionally, case studies will be developed which illustrate the implications of generative AI on consumers; including the examination of the legal, economic, and societal implications associated with these applications. Lastly, the study will assess best and worst practices that may influence the effects of generative AI on consumer interactions.

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Fight Fakes

2024/01 – 2025/01
Artificial Intelligence Deepfakes Disinformation Gamification

As generative AI becomes more accessible, deepfakes are on the rise. In "Fight Fakes", we are developing a learning environment where young people can practice recognizing (deep) fakes quickly, intuitively and playfully.

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RIO - Resilience in Online Trade

2022/11 – 2024/10
Artificial Intelligence Cybercrime Cybersecurity Fraud Fraud Detection Online Shopping

The project "Resilience in Online Trade" (RIO), funded by the Austrian security research program KIRAS 2021, builds on the success of previous AI-based fake shop detection projects. RIO aims to develop a modular, scalable, and easily extensible open-source platform to deliver AI-based risk assessment services, methods for identifying clusters of related fraudulent activities, and tools for fraud prevention in online marketplaces. Additionally, the project seeks to implement a minimally invasive mobile app that provides real-time protection against e-commerce fraud.

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PCS - Platform Compliance Study

2023/01 – 2024/06
Dark Patterns Online Shopping

In this project, we investigate the phenomena of dark patterns and behavioural advertising. The aim is to evaluate, through research, and development, which methods and tools can be used to detect and document violations in the interest of consumer authorities.

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Consumer Protection in Mobile Gaming

2023/05 – 2024/04
Children & Young People Consumer Protection Online Games

Computer and mobile games are now a major global industry, and smartphones are by far the most popular gaming platform among children and young people. However, digital games are often based on questionable business models. In the study 'Consumer Protection in Mobile Gaming', we take a closer look at these business models.

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Fraud Seeker

2023/01 – 2023/12
Cybercrime Fraud Fraud Detection Online Shopping

The aim of Fraud Seeker is to significantly expand the scope of Watchlist Internet's fraud prevention measures. Every day, Watchlist Internet receives dozens of reports about current Internet scams, which are manually processed and answered by experts. In recent months, there has been a striking number of attempted scams involving investments and pharmaceuticals. Fraud Seeker gets to the bottom of this trend.

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Problematic Dropshippers from Austria/Germany

2023/05 – 2023/11
Consumer Protection Online Shopping

More and more consumers are ordering from drop shippers. At the same time, the number of complaints to the Internet Ombudsstelle and Watchlist Internet is increasing. Selected problematic dropshipping merchants from Austria and Germany are evaluated by means of test orders. The results are summarised in a study so that consumer protection organisations can issue well-founded warnings to suppliers.

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Artificial Intelligence and Consumer Protection

2021/10 – 2022/09
Artificial Intelligence Consumer Protection

The project ‘Artificial Intelligence and Consumer Protection’ is dedicated to the overarching question of how consumer protection actors are challenged on the topic of artificial intelligence (AI).

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SINBAD - Security and Prevention of Fake-Shop Fraud with Measures of Digital Forensics

2020/10 – 2022/09
Fraud Fraud Detection Online Shopping

The SINBAD project deepens research into e-commerce fraud and aims to enhance multi-task machine learning models. It will proactively monitor newly registered domains within the DACH region, conducting comprehensive analyses of modular systems, pricing structures, product categories of fraudulent shops, and social media advertising tactics used by online fraudsters. The project’s objective is to safeguard consumers through evidence-based preventive measures and timely alerts.

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