From Trust to Truth: Actionable policies for the use of AI in fact-checking in Germany and Ukraine

AI can help fight disinformation but needs clear rules: The paper finds that while AI tools offer real opportunities to combat false information and improve journalism, their current unregulated use creates significant risks including bias, lack of transparency, and over-reliance on automated decision-making without human oversight.

Different countries need tailored approaches: Ukraine requires establishing an independent media regulatory framework suited to its specific governance context, while Germany is positioned to lead EU-wide collaboration on AI standards—demonstrating that one-size-fits-all policies won't work across different media landscapes.

Technical standards and funding are essential: Beyond regulation alone, the paper emphasizes that responsible AI integration in media requires both clear technical standards for how AI systems should operate and dedicated funding mechanisms to support their proper implementation.

Transparency and human judgment must remain central: The paper identifies transparency issues and over-reliance on automated systems as key risks, implying that AI should augment rather than replace human fact-checkers and journalists in verifying information.

Collaborative effort is necessary: Addressing disinformation through AI requires coordinated action between regulators, media organizations, and technology developers—no single actor can solve this challenge alone.