About the Project

The OSPREY project – Online Safety and Security for Protection of Public-Facing Professionals and Democratic Resilience – is a three-year, EU-funded research and innovation initiative aimed at understanding and addressing the growing threat of online harms faced by public-facing professionals. Increasingly, these professionals are facing a growing wave of online abuse, intimidation, threats and coordinated disinformation campaigns, jeopardising both their personal safety and wellbeing, as well as the integrity of the democratic institutions they represent.

Over the project’s duration, the consortium will build a comprehensive knowledge base of risk profiles and harm impacts, develop tailored AI-driven tools and solutions to strengthen digital safety, and co-create practical toolkits and training for professionals, organisations and policymakers. OSPREY also aims to raise public awareness of online harm dynamics and promote strategies for effective prevention, response and bystander support, ultimately contributing to safer online spaces and enhanced democratic resilience across Europe.

OSPREY Project Website

Partners

The OSPREY Approach

CONCEPTUAL

Broadens the focus beyond ‘hate speech’ to address all forms of online harm and attack motivations.  

KNOWLEDGE

Builds a comprehensive understanding of emerging threats, including AI-driven attacks and automated campaigns.  

CAPABILITIES

Develops advanced analytics, risk assessment, and digital forensics tools for law enforcement and institutions. 

SUPPORT & AWARENESS

Improves guidance and practical support for public-facing professionals and their families. 

POLICY

Strengthens accountability of technology platforms and promotes better legal protections for those in the public eye. 

Activities

Under the OSPREY project, the consortium will develop:

1

Knowledge Base

A validated taxonomy and evidence based research that explains how online harms affect public-facing professionals. 
2

Training & Capacity Building

Specialised training programmes to build the capacity of public-facing professionals to recognise, prevent, and respond to online harms.
3

Risk Assessment

A triage approach that helps practitioners quickly evaluate risks and choose the right mitigation actions. 
4

Operational Toolkit for PFPs & Families

A practical, easy-to-use toolkit offering guidance, mitigation strategies, and support resources for PFPs and their dependents. 
5

AI-driven Tools

AI-driven tools that identify emerging threats and provide early insights into hostile online behaviour. 
6

Policy & Awareness Support

Awareness materials and policy guidance aimed at improving legal protections and increasing accountability across digital platforms. 
7

Digital Forensics Tools

User-friendly tools that streamline digital evidence gathering, analysis, and documentation. 

News

OSPREY project launches to strengthen online safety for elected officials and police forces

MORE UPDATES COMING SOON!

Contacts

For project-related inquiries, please contact:

Maria Georgiou
Senior Project Officer
m.georgiou@victimsupporteurope.eu
0032(0)23 46 04 55

For project-related inquiries, please contact:

Paula Peralta Agustí
Policy Assistant
p.peraltaagusti@victimsupporteurope.eu
0032(0)23 46 04 55

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