Whistleblowers can be vital sources for journalists, and their information has initiated some of the biggest investigations. But whistleblowers are running big risks – from personal safety to legal threats. What do you do as a journalist if you are approached by a whistleblower? How do you get and verify the information you need while still keeping your source secret and safe? And what protection exists for these people who shed light on conditions that were meant to be kept hidden? Join this conversation between a journalist with long experience of working with whistleblowers and secret sources and a specialist in the protection and legislation around whistleblowing.
The European Ombudsman investigates cases of maladministration within EU institutions, acting on their own initiative or in response to complaints from EU citizens - often journalists. In this session, the new European Ombudswoman, Teresa Anjinho will share her position on transparency issues, and will discuss, with three experienced journalists working on EU-related topics, a wide range of pressing issues. How will journalists’ concerns related to the treatment of the freedom of information requests be addressed? What are possible solutions to the loopholes in the current EU Transparency register? How can the transparency of EU spending be improved, including oversight over RRF money and the proposed Defense fund? Come to the session and join the discussion!
Privacy rights under GDPR are often seen as an obstacle to investigative journalism. In this session we focus on the great opportunity to access information which GDPR gives us. While national laws on the right to access information are for everyone, GDPR is about individual control over information. When you learn to make use of this regulation, you can access information from big tech companies, from consumer clubs, and even religious sects.
