The Verification Handbook is a groundbreaking new resource for journalists and aid responders, which provides step-by-step guidelines for using user-generated content (UGC) during emergencies. Published by the European Journalism Centre, the handbook was authored by 22 verification experts from leading media outlets and international, non-profit organisations.
In a crisis situation, social networks are overloaded with situational updates, calls for relief, reports of new developments, and rescue information. Reporting the right information is often critical in shaping responses from the public and relief workers; it can literally be a matter of life or death.
The Handbook prescribes best practice advice on how to verify and use this information provided by the crowd, as well as actionable advice to facilitate disaster preparedness in newsrooms.
This session gathers the authors of the handbook in one panel, and will debate a number of issues in relation to 'verification' such as the preparedness, industry standards, and ethical implications.
