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

What is this call about?

The topic funds an innovation action that develops detection and investigation tools against online harms in short, iterative development cycles. It targets consortia working with police authorities in Europe, researchers and policymakers.

What does this call fund?

Scope

The topic supports the development of detection and investigation tools for online harms, built through short, agile development cycles so that tools can adapt quickly to emerging threats. Examples given include identity theft, disinformation, deepfakes, spoofing, phishing, digital violence, and early detection and real-time risk assessment of online payment fraud.

How the work should be organised

• The specific harms to address are selected at the start of each development cycle, in agreement with all consortium stakeholders and based on the concrete needs of police authorities.
• Tool development is iterative and integrates feedback from police authorities.
• Proposals should explain how they will engage with the Europol Innovation Lab; projects on drug-related issues are expected to engage with the EU Drugs Agency, and cooperation with CEPOL is expected for police training aspects.
• A mid-term deliverable should assess the project's mid-term outcomes, carried out by the practitioners involved.

Expected outcomes

• Rapid deployment of targeted detection and investigation tools and training materials for police authorities in Europe.
• A modular toolset that can take on new functions as online threats change.
• Stronger collaboration between researchers, policymakers and police authorities so that tools are effective, user-friendly, legally and ethically sound.

Technology readiness

Activities are expected to reach TRL 6-8 by the end of the project, which should last at least 48 months.

When is the deadline?

4 November 2027 (363 days)

4 November 2027 (single-stage submission).