ECLIPSE

Acronym: ECLIPSE
Title: PrEventing and Combating onLine and offline hate speech and dIsinformation through multidisciPlinary innovation, education, and awareneSs in Europe

What is the ECLIPSE project about, and what challenge does it aim to address?
The ECLIPSE project aims to prevent and counter hate speech and mis/disinformation, both online and offline, across Europe. By integrating advanced technologies with insights from social, behavioural, criminological, and legal sciences, the project collaborates with LEAs, CSOs, and international organisations to analyse harmful and false content online. It deploys counter-narratives via NLP, SNA, and NLG-based tools to support practical interventions in real-world contexts. ECLIPSE also employs AR/XR gamification for training, addressing societal impacts, enhancing security, and delivering policy recommendations. 
 

What are the key outcomes or innovations you hope to achieve with this project?
ECLIPSE advances the state of the art in addressing hate speech and mis/disinformation, online and offline, by adopting a multidisciplinary and multiagency approach to understanding their socio-technical dynamics and impacts on polarisation. Unlike traditional efforts, ECLIPSE combines rigorous data collection and mapping across EU contexts with a detailed analysis of policies, law enforcement strategies, and political discourses. In addition, ECLIPSE will develop standardised approaches for LEAs, CSOs, and international organisations to collect data on hate speech and fake news, analyse risks, and implement counter-narratives and security measures. This will integrate advanced, trustworthy technologies, such as NLP, SNA, and NLG, while respecting EU multicultural contexts, legal standards, and fundamental rights, including freedom of expression and privacy

What broader societal impact do you hope ECLIPSE will have?
A key objective for ECLIPSE is to enhance citizens' security perceptions and prevent hate speech and mis/disinformation online and offline through training materials, interactive workshops, and events using digital storytelling, gamification, and AR/XR. Thus, the broader societal impact of ECLIPSE entails strengthening public safety and resilience through focused training, and raising awareness of hate speech and mis/disinformation to promote safer, more inclusive, and secure environments.

What is VUB’s role in the project, and what unique contribution are you making?
VUB leads Work Package 7 on “Ethics, Data Protection Law & Security”. In its role, VUB will carry out a comprehensive analysis of legal, ethical and fundamental rights issues associated with the development and use of the ECLIPSE Toolbox, providing a set of actionable recommendations at different stages of the development process. 

What advice would you give to other VUB researchers considering applying for EU funding?
Pay close attention to ethical considerations and ensure your research adheres to relevant guidelines and regulations.