Investigative Journalism Tackles Disinformation & Uncovers Global Stories
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The escalating threat of digital manipulation and the need for robust,cross-border journalistic collaboration were central themes at the 14th edition of the Spotlight Fact-Check & OSINT Review,hosted by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). The session highlighted cutting-edge techniques in forensic inquiry and showcased impactful projects exposing critical global issues, from alleged chemical weapons use to complex genetic legacies.
The rise of elegant disinformation demands a new level of investigative rigor, according to participants.
Unmasking Chemical Weapons in Sudan Through Forensic Detail
Quentin Peschard and Derek Thomson of france 24 Observers presented a masterclass in forensic investigation,detailing their work on the alleged use of chemical weapons in Sudan. Their team successfully traced the origin of a suspected chemical attack by analyzing a minuscule detail – a fraction-of-a-second serial number found on an aerial drop near sudans largest oil refinery.This painstaking work identified foreign importers, and the evidence has since been cited by the US State Department at the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).
This case underscores the power of meticulous OSINT (Open Source Intelligence) techniques in uncovering hidden truths.
“Donor 7069” and the Power of cross-Border Reporting
Belén López Garrido of the EBU Investigative Journalism network shared insights into the network’s latest cross-border exposé, the “Donor 7069” investigation. This ambitious project coordinated the efforts of 30 journalists across 14 countries to reveal that a single sperm donor with a high-risk genetic mutation had fathered 197 children.
The investigation builds on the EBU Network’s established model for tackling complex global narratives, exemplified by previous projects like “Playing with Fire” and “The missing children of Ukraine.” López Garrido illustrated how the network effectively synchronizes dozens of reporters across Europe, enabling them to address issues that transcend national borders.
“Coordinating such a large team requires robust frameworks and a shared commitment to uncovering the truth,” López Garrido explained.
Essential Tools for a Disinformed World
The session equipped attendees with the essential forensic tools and collaborative models needed to verify content and combat increasingly sophisticated disinformation campaigns. The emphasis on cross-border collaboration reflects a growing recognition that manny of today’s moast pressing challenges require a coordinated, international response.
Those interested in participating as a speaker in future Fact-Check & OSINT Reviews are encouraged to contact [email protected].
This episode of the eurovision News Spotlight Fact-Check & OSINT Review is available for public sharing.
Why: The 14th Spotlight Fact-Check & OSINT Review was held to address the growing threat of disinformation and the need for international journalistic collaboration.
Who: The event was hosted by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and featured presentations from Quentin Peschard, Derek Thomson (France 24 observers), and Belén López Garrido (EBU Investigative Journalism Network). Attendees included journalists and investigators.
What: the review showcased forensic investigation techniques and cross-border reporting projects, including investigations into alleged chemical weapons use in Sudan and a genetic risk linked to a sperm donor (“Donor 7069”).
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