SOLARIS holds a workshop in Tirana on the Disruptive potential of Deepfake Technology
On 30 April 2025, the SOLARIS Project consortium, in collaboration with the Albanian Institute for International Studies (AIIS), hosted “Deepfake Technology – Disruptive Potential and Societal Implications”, an event at the Tirana Times Library.
The event, designed for journalism students and media professionals, offered a unique opportunity to explore the ethical, societal, and political challenges posed by deepfake technology.
Participants witnessed a live demonstration of the SOLARIS platform for deepfake creation, alongside presentations on real-world cases of AI-driven disinformation, including the 2024 deepfake of Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenskyy and the £20 million Arup voice scam.
The live demonstration showcased how deepfakes can be created and manipulated, offering a hands-on insight into the risks and possible responsible uses of the technology.
The participants held a discussion on the impact of deepfakes in Albania, the Balkan area and the world as a whole.
The roundtable on the topic was led by Mr. Gjon Rakipi of the Albanian Institute for International Studies (AIIS). Other speakers and attendees included prof. Federica Russo, professor of Philosophy and Ethics of Techno-Science at Utrecht University, and project leader of SOLARIS, Piero Polidoro, professor of Semiotics at LUMSA University in Rome, Italy, Domenico Bloisi, associate professor at the International University of Rome, Michele Brienza, PhD Candidate of the Sapienza University of Rome, and others.
Through guided demos, real-world examples, and collaborative discussions, the speakers strengthened public awareness and bolstered the fight against AI-driven disinformation.
This event formed part of the broader mission of the Horizon Europe-funded SOLARIS project to enhance democratic resilience and explore governance frameworks for generative AI. By fostering dialogue and raising awareness, the workshop aimed to equip the public, along with the next generation of journalists, with the critical tools to navigate and challenge AI-mediated disinformation.
This project is funded by the European Union under Grant agreement No. 101094665. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. The European Union cannot be held responsible for them.