International Center for Ethics in the Sciences and Humanities (IZEW)

Trustworthy Information and Transparency Regarding Algorithms and Machine Learning Systems in Journalism (VITraDes)

The VITraDes project explores how the use of AI in journalism can be transparently labeled in order to maintain trust in the media and protect the public from misinformation. The project’s goal is to close this gap in journalism through the transparent labeling of AI use and to contribute to strengthening trustworthy public communication. Specifically, the project team aims to develop practical guidelines for labeling AI-generated content and create educational resources for journalists. Additionally, the project will examine how such self-regulatory approaches by the media can be adopted by online platforms. The approach is interdisciplinary and based on collaboration among experts in ethics, law, and journalism.

Project Partners

Associated Partners

  • Bayerischer Rundfunk (BR) - AI Automation Lab
  • CORRECTIV
  • Deutscher Journalisten Verband (DJV)
  • Studio 47
  • Südwestdeutscher Rundfunk (SWR) - KI Hub 

Funding

Fördergeber: BMFTR
Projektträger: VDI/VDE Innovation + Technik GmbH

Funding period

01.04.2026 – 31.03.2029
Grant number: 16KIS2471K

News

The project kick-off will take place in Tübingen on May 18 and 19, 2026. The project consortium will meet to discuss content and organizational matters and to plan the coming months of the project. 

Publications

You will be able to find all publications relating to this project here in future.

Project Progression

April 2026

Further information will be provided in regular intervals.

March 2026

On March 16, 2026, the opening event of the funding line “Recognizing and Countering Digital Disinformation” took place at the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space. During the event, funding awards were presented to eleven projects, including VITraDes. Further information about the event and the funding program can be found here.