The CERIS workshop on countering online identity theft and fake information took place in Brussels on 15 May 2025. The objective of this event was to highlight the growing threat of online identity fraud and disinformation in the digital age, emphasising the urgent need for comprehensive strategies and cooperation among EU officials, law enforcement agencies, researchers and private sector stakeholders.
The event underscored the complexity of these threats but also highlighted valuable pathways for the European Commission to enhance its strategies and collaborations in these areas.
Martin Übelhör, Deputy Head of Innovation and Security Research Unit in DG HOME, opened the event, followed by a keynote speech from Álvaro Azofra, Head of Expertise and Stakeholder Management Unit at EC3, Europol, setting the stage for a deep dive into the challenges posed by cybercrime, especially the rapid rise in identity theft driven by technological advancements such as AI and cryptocurrency. He emphasised the sophistication and scale of online ID fraud, facilitated by data brokers and the commodification of stolen data on criminal platforms. Stéphane Duguin, CEO CyberPeace Institute, outlined growing trends and related challenges in disinformation and fake news.
Panel discussions, moderated by policy officers from DG HOME Angélique Miet and Michele Socco as well as CERIS expert Kostas Demestichas, further explored these issues. Law enforcement representatives shared real-world cases illustrating the international and multifaceted nature of online identity theft, highlighting the need for better victim awareness and proactive measures to redirect potential young cybercriminals towards constructive IT careers. Researchers discussed the challenges posed by deepfakes and the importance of developing robust detection technologies. Increasing levels of disinformation and fake news and their consequences on the trust in media, as well as the fine lines between non-criminal and criminal intents in some cases, were discussed in detail.
Key Takeaways:
- Education and awareness: In preventing growingly sophisticated online identity theft schemes and countering fake information, education remains vital.
- Continuing investments in research and innovation: Research and innovation in this field is key in not remaining only reactive but trying to be ahead of the curve.
- Legislative framework: There is a need for a comprehensive EU-wide definition and criminalisation of identity theft and disinformation. Strengthening existing EU legislation could help to address these issues, but crucially, enforcement of the rules is missing.
- Collaboration with financial institutions: Strengthening ties between law enforcement and the banking sector is crucial. The event underscored the complexity of tackling online identity fraud and disinformation but also highlighted valuable pathways for the European Commission to enhance its strategies and collaborations in these areas.
The event featured demonstrations from ECTEG, EITHOS, FERMI, and VIGILANT projects, each showcasing innovative approaches to countering these threats.
