Sandpit 6 | SPRITE+ Hub

Sandpit 6: AI and TIPSS

In June/July 2026, SPRITE+ hosted its sixth sandpit focused on 'AI and TIPSS', in conjunction with CRANE (Cyber security Research And Networking Environment).

AI is transforming every aspect of society, from healthcare and finance to creative industries and public services. However, its rapid adoption raises profound questions about Trust, Identity, Privacy, Security, and Safety (TIPSS). Considering AI through a TIPSS lens is critical to ensuring that AI systems are not only technically robust but also socially acceptable and ethically sound, and we are able to anticipate and protect against their misuse by adversaries.

This complexity made AI and TIPSS an ideal focus for a sandpit. We encouraged participants to approach the topic from diverse perspectives, generating bold ideas that could help shape the future of secure and responsible AI.

Combined SPRITE+ and CRANE funding was awarded to six interdisciplinary projects arising from this sandpit.

ASSIST: AI-Powered Security and Standards Compliance Intelligent Advisory Support

This project will investigate the feasibility of ASSIST, an AI-assisted decision-support system designed to help SMEs understand cyber security standards, identify compliance gaps, and explain recommended actions in clear and accessible language.

Agent for Good - Accountable Multi-Agent AI in Smart Environments

This project will develop a “Digital Agent Passport” for AI agents: a cryptographically secured record of an agent’s identity, permissions, and the authority that granted them.

Towards AI Supported Moderation to Promote Child Safety Online

This project will approach child online safety by understanding how children themselves notice something is wrong and decide whether to stay in an interaction or leave it, before harm escalates.

Tyche — Resilience in Crisis Management: Assessing AI Opportunities and Arising AI Ownership Risks, and Mitigations

This project builds a prototype toolkit for exploring AI opportunities and resilience to AI risks in crisis management planning.

RAIDFORD: Reducing evolving AI-enabled Online Dating Fraud by Building Digital Resilience

This project will explore how to mitigate the risks of AI-enabled fraud in online dating and enable a trusted environment where online daters can be secure.

Certified Copy: AI Simulated Individual Minds as Personal Proxies

This project tests whether AI models, trained on in-depth interviews and surveys that capture a person's values and preferences, could help a trusted person with Power of Attorney feel less burdened and make more accurate decisions on behalf of someone else.