International Panel on the Information Environment (IPIE) Market Research Report

Background

Overview

The International Panel on the Information Environment (IPIE) is an independent global scientific organization dedicated to providing actionable knowledge on threats to the world's information landscape. Established as a non-profit entity in Zürich, Switzerland, IPIE was publicly launched at the Nobel Prize Summit in May 2023. The organization comprises a consortium of scientists from 66 countries, collectively working to assess and improve the global information environment.

Mission and Vision

IPIE's mission is to offer policymakers, industry leaders, and civil society actionable scientific assessments regarding threats to the information environment, including AI bias, algorithmic manipulation, and disinformation. The organization envisions a healthier information environment that fosters trust in science, institutions, and interpersonal relationships.

Primary Area of Focus

IPIE focuses on identifying and mitigating threats to the global information environment, such as misinformation, disinformation, and the manipulation of information for various strategic purposes. The organization aims to provide neutral assessments on the condition of the information environment, enabling policymakers to take meaningful action.

Industry Significance

As a global response to the information environment crisis, IPIE plays a crucial role in organizing, evaluating, and elevating research to improve the global information environment. Its work is significant in addressing the erosion of trust in science and institutions caused by misinformation and disinformation.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

• Provide actionable scientific knowledge about threats to the global information environment.

• Offer independent assessments to guide policymakers, industry leaders, and civil society.

• Organize and elevate research to improve the global information environment.

Specific Areas of Specialization

• AI bias

• Algorithmic manipulation

• Disinformation

Key Technologies Utilized

IPIE employs advanced scientific methodologies, including data analysis and meta-analyses, to assess and address threats to the information environment. The organization also utilizes AI-driven capabilities to analyze large datasets and identify patterns related to misinformation and disinformation.

Primary Markets or Conditions Targeted

IPIE targets global information environments, focusing on regions and platforms where misinformation and disinformation pose significant challenges. The organization addresses issues across democracies and autocracies, tailoring its assessments to the specific conditions and threats present in each context.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

As a non-profit organization, IPIE's funding details are not publicly disclosed. The organization has received support from various donors, including the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, which granted $100,000 to support the representation of Global Majority scholars in IPIE research initiatives.

Total Funds Raised

Specific figures regarding the total funds raised by IPIE are not publicly available.

Notable Investors

IPIE has received support from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, among other donors.

Intended Utilization of Capital

The funds are utilized to support IPIE's research initiatives, including the formation of scientific panels, conducting expert surveys, and publishing reports on various aspects of the global information environment. For example, the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation's grant supports the representation of Global Majority scholars in IPIE research initiatives.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

IPIE's pipeline includes the formation of scientific panels that address specific threats to the information environment. Notable panels include:

• Scientific Panel on Global Standards for AI Audits: Chaired by Professor Wendy Chun, this panel focuses on developing global standards for auditing artificial intelligence systems.

• Scientific Panel on Information Integrity about Climate Science: Announced at the UN Summit of the Future in September 2024, this panel addresses misinformation related to climate science.

• Scientific Panel on Child Protection and Social Media: Launched in October 2024, this panel aims to combat child exploitation on social media platforms.

Stages of Clinical Trials or Product Development

As a scientific organization, IPIE does not engage in clinical trials or product development. Instead, it focuses on research and assessments related to the information environment.

Target Conditions

The panels target various conditions, including AI bias, algorithmic manipulation, disinformation, misinformation, and child exploitation on social media.

Relevant Timelines for Anticipated Milestones

Specific timelines for the panels' milestones are not publicly disclosed.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

IPIE utilizes advanced scientific methodologies, including data analysis and meta-analyses, to assess and address threats to the information environment. The organization also employs AI-driven capabilities to analyze large datasets and identify patterns related to misinformation and disinformation.

Significant Scientific Methods

• Data Analysis: Utilized to assess and address threats to the information environment.

• Meta-Analyses: Conducted to evaluate existing research and identify patterns related to misinformation and disinformation.

• AI-Driven Capabilities: Employed to analyze large datasets and identify patterns related to misinformation and disinformation.

Leadership Team

Key Executive Profiles

• Philip N. Howard: President of IPIE, Professor at Oxford University, and Director of the Oxford Internet Institute. He co-founded IPIE and has been instrumental in its development.

• Sebastián Valenzuela: Chief Science Officer of IPIE, Professor at the Catholic University of Chile. He co-founded IPIE and has been instrumental in its development.

• Dame Inga Beale: Appointed as a trustee of IPIE in January 2025. She has a background in business and leadership.

• Susan Doniz: Appointed as a trustee of IPIE in January 2025. She has a background in information technology and data analytics.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The global information environment faces significant challenges due to misinformation, disinformation, and the manipulation of information. Organizations like IPIE play a crucial role in addressing these issues by providing scientific assessments and recommendations.

Competitor Analysis

IPIE operates in a unique space with few direct competitors. However, other organizations addressing related issues include:

• The Global Disinformation Index: Focuses on assessing and mitigating disinformation.

• The Center for Countering Digital Hate: Works to counter online hate and misinformation.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

IPIE collaborates with various organizations and experts to enhance its research and impact. Notably, the organization has received support from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation to support the representation of Global Majority scholars in IPIE research initiatives.

Operational Insights

IPIE's neutral and non-partisan approach, combined with its global network of experts, positions it uniquely to address the challenges of the information environment. The organization's focus on scientific assessments and recommendations distinguishes it from other entities in the field.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Strategic Roadmap

IPIE continues to expand its network of experts and scientific panels to address emerging threats to the information environment. The organization is committed to providing actionable scientific knowledge to guide policymakers, industry leaders, and civil society.

Future Business Directions

IPIE plans to enhance its research initiatives, focusing on areas such as AI auditing, information integrity in climate science, and child protection on social media.