Testing the platforms: investigative journalism, accountability and policy impact

As digital platforms claim to protect users from harm, investigative journalists increasingly test those claims by auditing moderation systems, reporting workflows, and recommender behavior. This panel brings together newsroom and research leaders who have designed investigations that move beyond anecdote to produce evidence usable by regulators, civil society, and policymakers.
The discussion will examine how controlled testing, transparency of methods, and human-safety framing can translate journalism into real accountability—without sacrificing editorial independence. Drawing on cases from Europe, US and Latin America, the panel will explore what makes platform investigations credible, how findings travel into advocacy and regulation, and where journalists should draw the line.
Investigative journalism hand in hand with advocacy generates a new way of creating impact for newsrooms.
Moderated by Julie Posetti.
Organised in association with Fundación Maldita.es.