GFCN Vice President Invites Students to Join Global Investigations into Deepfakes and Misinformation

YEKATERINBURG, April 2, 2026 — The Global Fact-Checking Network (GFCN) is opening its doors to the next generation of media professionals to join international investigations into digital deception. The announcement was made by GFCN Vice President Daniil Bisslinger during a recording of the “Sam reshII” podcast at the Mediaprom media festival.

In a departure from the forum’s formal plenary sessions, the podcast discussion dived into the “boots-on-the-ground” realities of fact-checking and the cutting-edge technologies used to unmask sophisticated falsehoods.

Cultivating the Next Generation: Languages and “Argumentative Skepticism”

Bisslinger emphasized that the GFCN is looking to bridge the gap between academia and the professional frontlines by offering students hands-on experience in real-world international projects.

“We are keeping our doors wide open for collaboration. We are looking for researchers who are, at a minimum, proficient in English and ready to dive into investigative analytics,” said Daniil Bisslinger. “Our goal is to support students with their research, provide expert mentorship, and foster cooperation with international specialists. Ultimately, it’s about cultivating a level of discipline and critical thinking that no neural network can ever replicate.”

AI vs. AI: The “Zephyr” Advantage

Addressing the technological arms race in media, Bisslinger revealed details regarding the GFCN’s technical arsenal. To detect manipulations that remain invisible to the human eye, the network leverages advanced tools, including the “Zephyr” system — a pioneering project developed by ANO Dialog Regions.

“This neural network allows us to detect manipulations across all content types. We are aggressively leveraging machine learning to draw the line between truth and deception, especially now that creating a deepfake is something anyone with a smartphone can do,” Bisslinger explained.

About the Event:

“Mediaprom” is a bold educational experiment by UrFU media students, launched in 2025 with the support of GFCN co-founder TASS News Agency, alongside the UrFU media division, the Faculty of Journalism, and the university’s endowment fund. The project has rapidly become a major draw for those passionate about content, technology, and the creative industries.