Virtual partnering event on the research platform for investigating disinformation in virtual reality (FoUnD-VR)
The Cyberagentur invites you to the partnering event“Research Platform for the Investigation of Disinformation in Virtual Reality (FoUnD-VR)”.
February 3, 2026 – 09:00 – 12:00 a.m.
Registration until January 28, 2026, via this link: Registration Partnering Event FoUnD-VR
Aim of the partnering event
Those interested in the new research program can obtain initial further information on the contents at the upcoming partnering event. Furthermore, all participants will have the opportunity to present themselves and their areas of focus and thus network with potential partners for the formation of consortia.
Agenda
- Presentation of the Cyberagentur
- Presentation of the FoUnD-VR program
- Introduction of the partners (3 minutes each)
Please send your presentation slides by January 31, 2026 at the latest to found-vr@cyberagentur.de
Netiquette
The digital space is intended to promote exchange and has its starting point in a critical and constructive, but above all respectful interaction with one another. We would therefore kindly ask you to treat each other with respect.
Background
Virtual environments are digital spaces in which users can interact, play and converse with the help of avatars. They are characterized by an immersive 3-dimensional environment and use technologies such as augmented reality (AR), extended reality (XR) and virtual reality (VR) to provide a realistic and interactive experience. The term disinformation is primarily used in the context of fake or misleading news, which is mainly spread online in social media and messenger services. Disinformation in virtual environments has not yet been the subject of independent scientific research.
Aim
The research program “Research Platform for the Investigation of Disinformation in Virtual Reality” (FoUnD-VR) aims to create a platform (e.g. XR test environment) for researching disinformation in virtual environments. Virtual environments are understood as new digital spaces that can be accessed via extended reality (VR, AR, XR) (Metaverse, Omniverse, Citiverse), in which individuals interact with other people, organizations or institutions. The audiovisual and haptic interaction possibilities inherent in the technology create unique forms of disinformation that have not yet been researched due to the novelty of these virtual spaces. The virtual laboratory environment is therefore intended to enable research into the dissemination of disinformation in new types of virtual spaces for the first time.
Disruptive Risk Research
The possibilities of manipulation in virtual spaces (VA, AR, XR) go far beyond known methods of conventional forms of disinformation due to the level of interaction and the high degree of immersion: For example, contact with virtual avatars can be misused through deep fakes or changes to virtual spaces can be deliberately falsified in order to manipulate the moods, opinions or attitudes of users. Furthermore, the addition of other sensory modalities (e.g. haptics, smell) opens up additional ways of influencing users and the possibility of making disinformation appear even more realistic.
It is not yet possible to predict which forms of disinformation will be used on future XR platforms. The FoUnD-VR research program aims to close this gap by developing scenarios, methods and measures to protect against disinformation.