What does it mean to protect an eyewitness in the social media age?

In the last year, we’ve seen a number of breaking news events where content posted by eyewitnesses to social media has become a story in its own right. Whether that’s the hounding of students caught up in the Oregon shooting on Twitter, the lasting impact on those who captured footage during the Charlie Hebdo shootings, or the people who have filmed police violence in the US. In this panel, we will hear the perspectives of those eyewitnesses caught up in these events and will explore how newsrooms should be doing more to protect them. Topics will include best practice for ensuring that someone’s location and identity remains hidden where necessary, protecting individual copyright, and considering the welfare of  eyewitnesses both during a traumatic event and after  they have contributed to your story.

Organised in association with the First Draft News Coalition.