Fake-Shop Detector wins State Prize for Digitalisation

Katharina Kloiber | 16.05.2024

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State Prize for Digitalisation 2023 for the Fake-Shop Detector, © BKA – Christoph Dunker

Secretary of State Claudia Plakolm, Louise Beltzung (ÖIAT), Wolfgang Eibner (X-Net), Host Nina Kaiser

The groundbreaking work of Fake-Shop Detector was honored with the prestigious State Prize for Digitalisation in the category “Lifestyle, Youth, and e-Sports” at the 4Gamechangers Festival 2024 in Vienna.

The State Prize for Digitalisation

At the beginning of 2024, the Federal Ministry of Finance awarded the 2023 State Prize for Digitalisation in six categories. By honoring the most innovative digital products and solutions from Austria, the State Prize once again underscores Austria's innovative strength as a center for digitalisation and technology.

The State Prize supports the visibility of Austrian companies and is a platform for best practices in modern information and communication technologies. From an economic perspective, the State Prize contributes to the competitiveness of this sector and presents Austria as a location for digitalisation, innovation, and technology. The Federal Minister of Finance awards the State Prize for Digitalisation in six categories based on the decision of an independent jury of experts.

  • Digital transformation and innovation

  • Digital skills, education, and training

  • Health, nutrition, and fitness (e-health)

  • Interaction and connectivity

  • Generations and inclusion

  • Lifestyle, youth, and e-sports

For the fifth time, the State Prize was awarded by the Federal Ministry of Finance (BMF) based on the decision of an independent jury. A total of 71 projects were submitted. The Fake-Shop Detector is one of six award-winning projects. The award was presented by State Secretary for Digitalisation Claudia Plakolm and Nina Kaiser (founder of the 4Gamechanger Festival) and accepted by Louise Beltzung (ÖIAT) and Wolfgang Eibner (X-Net) on behalf of the entire research and development team.

The Fake-Shop Detector

Team

The Fake-Shop Detector was developed in collaboration between X-Net Services (X-Net), the Austrian Institute for Applied Telecommunications (ÖIAT), and AIT Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT). X-Net is an IT service provider for companies of various sizes and in industries. It supports digitalisation projects, develops independent software and hardware solutions, and manages hundreds of company networks. ÖIAT is an independent research institution with the aim of promoting the competent, safe, and responsible use of digital media. AIT, Austria's largest non-university research institution, works on state-of-the-art information and communication technologies at the Center for Digital Safety & Security.

Project

The damage caused by fake shops in Austria runs into the millions, with tens of thousands of reports received by Watchlist Internet every year. Once payment has been made, the money is often lost. By the time the fraud is noticed, the shops have already disappeared. This makes prevention all the more important: for the first time in Austria, the Fake-Shop Detector is a free AI tool for consumers that automatically protects against fraud in online shopping. Algorithms measure the similarity of web shops to known fake shops and warn users in real time via a traffic light system. Free fraud protection in your own internet browser that respects your privacy – that's what Fake-Shop Detector promises and delivers.

FSD_Staatspreis

Fake-Shop with Plugin-Display © ACR-OeIAT

The expert jury's reasoning:

Online shopping plays a central role in the lives of young people. Fake shops cause millions in damages. However, those affected only notice this once the money has already been lost. The Fake-Shop Detector offers a new way to prevent fraud in advance, based on AI and expert knowledge. It also raises awareness of digital fraud. With each additional validated shop, the system becomes more stable in its decision-making and thus makes the digital lifestyle more secure.

“We are delighted to receive this special recognition, which encourages us to continue promoting the successful combination of research and development in Austria. The State Prize for Digitalisation confirms our ongoing commitment to providing consumers in Austria and beyond with a secure and trustworthy online experience.” said Nikolaus Dürk, Managing Director of X-Net.

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