REAL-DEAL – Regulating Deepfakes in the EU
The project “REAL-DEAL – Regulating Deepfakes in the EU: Accountability, Law & Democratic Freedoms” has been awarded funding under the Digital Democracy Centre × TrygFonden Fellowship Program and will be conducted by Dominika Kuźnicka-Błaszkowska.
The project, which will be carried out at the Digital Democracy Centre (DDC) at the University of Southern Denmark and University of Wroclaw, investigates the effectiveness of the European Union’s legal frameworks in addressing the rise of synthetic media.
About the project
Deepfakes pose a growing threat to democratic institutions, human rights, and international stability by distorting public discourse and eroding trust. The REAL-DEAL project evaluates how the Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act) and the Digital Services Act (DSA) respond to these risks.
The research aims to determine whether these regulations can effectively mitigate the harms of deepfakes, such as disinformation and manipulation, without compromising fundamental freedom of expression.
Expected impact
The project will result in the publication of two open-access papers and a series of conference presentations. Ultimately, the findings will support more principled, transparent, and rights-based governance of synthetic media in Europe, informing both policy-making and the advocacy efforts of NGOs.
Timeline: 10 months (starting January 2026).
Local Mentor (SDU/DDC): Ayo Næsborg-Andersen.
