Insights from the First WG1 Policy Scoping Brief on Cyber and Digital Crime

Written by Privanova

The first Policy Scoping Brief of the LEA Projects Cluster Working Group on Cyber and Digital Crime examines the gap between the development of security solutions and their effective use in law enforcement practice. It draws on initial contributions to WG1 activities from participating EU-funded security and intelligence projects, researchers, technical experts, law enforcement representatives and institutional stakeholders.

The document examines the contemporary operational environment in which cyber and digital crime investigations take place, shaped by the professionalisation of cybercrime, the growing role of digital evidence, increasing data volumes, cross-border dependencies and the expanding use of AI-supported analysis.

A central finding is that the main gap is no longer only technological. Relevant tools and research results already exist. However, their operational uptake depends on more than technology alone. It also requires digital skills, procurement capacity, interoperability, suitable internal procedures, effective cross-border cooperation and the ability to integrate new capabilities into established workflows.

The Brief identifies a shift in the evidential challenge facing cyber and digital crime investigations. As manipulated content, synthetic identities and AI-generated media become more prevalent, the central issue is no longer only whether relevant digital material can be found, but whether its origin, authenticity and reliability can be established to the standard required for investigative and judicial use. This places greater importance on validated forensic methods, transparent assessment processes and meaningful human oversight.

On this basis, the document identifies five interconnected areas for EU-level action. Some address immediate operational constraints, particularly delays in cross-border cooperation and limited access to affordable, compliant tools. Others concern the institutional conditions needed for wider uptake, including shared capabilities, common approaches to digital evidence and stronger support for the responsible deployment of AI. The common thread across these priorities is the need to move beyond the development of new solutions and address the legal, organisational and technical conditions required for their effective use.

The next phase will test these findings against operational experience. Law enforcement agencies and institutional representatives will be invited to assess which barriers are most urgent, where existing EU mechanisms fall short and which forms of support could make the greatest practical difference. This process will determine which of the initial priorities should be developed into concrete policy recommendations and where further evidence is still needed. The central question now is not whether Europe can generate security innovation, but whether it can create the conditions for that innovation to be used effectively in practice.

Would your organisation like to contribute to future Cluster activities? Organisations coordinating or participating in EU-funded security research projects are invited to learn more about the LEA Projects Cluster and explore opportunities for collaboration. For further information, please contact Kristina Isakzay, Cluster Coordinator at Privanova – kristina.isakzay@privanova.com.