Secret algorithms are secretly judging us. Governments across Europe are using flawed AI for law enforcement and predictive policing, quietly shaping justice and playing with people’s lives.

Join us as we go behind the scenes of a year-long investigation across the Netherlands, Italy and Spain that reveals the shocking truth behind these “decision machines”.

This episode features investigative journalist Pablo Jiménez Arandia, a member of the cross-border team of journalists behind Decision Machines, a year-long investigation into algorithms used in the criminal justice system with almost no scrutiny.

We unpack how reporters uncovered secret systems to predict recidivism among young offenders and the likelihood of prisoners committing future crimes when up for parole.

The discussion highlights the risks of predictive policing, the importance of human stories in understanding algorithmic impacts and the role of journalism in holding these systems accountable. We also touch on the shortcomings of legislation surrounding AI and the ethical considerations of using algorithms on vulnerable populations.

Credits

Host: Timothy Large, director of independent media programmes at the International Press Institute (IPI) and head of the Investigative Journalism for Europe (IJ4EU).

Guest: Pablo Jiménez Arandia, Spanish freelance investigative journalist

Production and graphic: Milica Miletić, project and events coordinator at IPI

This episode takes us behind the scenes of the Border Graves Investigation, an award-winning journalistic collaboration that documented more than 1,000 unmarked graves of people who died on European migration routes.

With insights from investigative journalists Gabriela Ramirez and Daphne Tolis, the episode uncovers systemic failures in identifying the deceased, touching on personal stories, the political and institutional response to the crisis and the ongoing challenges faced by families in search of their loved ones.

Hear about the dedicated local communities in Poland, Lithuania and Latvia who continue caring for these unmarked graves amidst rising anti-migrant sentiments. The episode also explores the emotional and psychological toll on families and journalists alike, the crucial role of DNA identification and plans for a comprehensive documentary.

This powerful narrative highlights the tragic human cost of a systemic failure to identify and dignify those who perish while trying to reach the EU.

Host:

Timothy Large, director of independent media programmes at the International Press Institute (IPI)

Guests:

Investigative journalists Gabriela Ramirez and Daphne Tolis

Production and graphic:

Milica Miletić, project and events coordinator at IPI

#bordergravesinvestigation #migration #investigativejournalism

This episode goes behind the scenes of Bears Uncovered, a cross-border investigation exposing the surging brown bear populations in Europe and their complex relationship with humans.

With insights from investigative journalists Michael Bird and Ovidiu Stancu, learn about shifting bear management practices across 26 European countries, the ethical quandaries of culling versus conservation, and the real-world impacts of human encroachment and climate change on these majestic animals.

“I think it's a test of humans,” Bird said. “It's a test of how we can learn to coexist with such a large predator. Do we coexist with them or do we slaughter them? That’s our choice.

“And if we choose to coexist with them, we have to find a way to do it because in some ways they’re the animals closest to us. They stand on two legs. They have hands that look like us. If you look at a bear, a skeleton or a body, it’s very humanistic. They eat exactly the same food. They are very close to us in many ways.

“So it is a test of our ability to live with nature as to whether or not we can coexist with bears.”

Featuring alarming reportage and expert discussions, this episode is a must for anyone interested in wildlife conservation and investigative journalism – or anyone who likes hiking in Europe!

Credits

Hosts:

• Timothy Large, director of independent media programmes at the International Press Institute (IPI)
• Milica Miletić, project and events coordinator at IPI

Guests:

• Michael Bird

• Ovidiu Dunel-Stancu

Production and editing: Timothy Large

Graphic: Milica Miletić