In the two decades since the founding of Wikileaks, the anonymous publication of leaked information has become ubiquitous, and its use an accepted practice within journalism. The advent of leaked data has brought us major journalistic investigations such as the Panama Papers, and has created a whole economy of cross-border investigative journalism. 

But the age of the leak comes with its own ethical quandaries, pitfalls and risks - and the need to discuss alternatives. 

The proliferation of leaks coincides with a possible weaponization as tools in geopolitical confrontations. Journalists have to reckon with playing a role in these confrontations and  spend an increasing amount of resources on verifying the authenticity and integrity of datasets in the age of AI. 

How should journalists consider the trade-offs of using leaked data? And what alternative strategies exist for building and curating datasets for cross-border investigations?

Two investigative journalists with years of experience in international investigations, Pulitzer winner Christo Buschek (Independent) and Alexander Fanta (Follow the Money) will discuss the challenging political economy of leaks and delve into other ways of obtaining data.

Buschek will present the concept of data-driven investigation, a process oriented investigative method that places the creation of datasets front and center, and drives an investigation by focusing on the transformation of said datasets. He will describe those methods based on past work, e.g., using censorship on Chinese online maps to localize previously unknown internment camps in Xinjiang, or quantifying the use of torture against Ukrainian civilians and POWs in Russian prisons.

Fanta will discuss an underused opportunity in cross-border freedom of information requests that unlock reams of government data. He will present a new guide, the collaborative work of journalists from across the continent, that shows how to file freedom of information requests in 38 European countries. Practical examples will show how coordinated requests have facilitated powerful investigations in topics ranging from PFAS to sperm donorship.