How to report on hacks, leaks and data breaches

Hacks, leaks and data breaches are more and more frequently becoming objects of interest for journalists. Recent cases, such as the DNC email cache released by WikiLeaks or the Hacking Team hack, challenged reporters on how to effectively and ethically cover this kind of information. When they obtain material by leakers or hackers, journalists have to be cautious in assessing the authenticity and the newsworthiness of the source material, in order to avoid potential manipulations and the risk of inadvertently become megaphones for their sources’ agendas. The panel will analyse challenges and perils involved with the coverage of hacks and leaks, explain their differences and focus on best practices and on technological and legal implications.