Correctiv uses hacked NIUS editorial data for research

The media organization Correctiv is reportedly using internal editorial data from NIUS to conduct research. This data, which includes previous article versions and editorial drafts, was obtained during a hacker attack on NIUS in late May.

NIUS Editor-in-Chief Julian Reichelt has accused Correctiv of failing to disclose the data leak for weeks, suggesting this concealment may constitute a criminal offense. Correctiv has stated in inquiries that it has access to a “comprehensive dataset from the NIUS.de system,” using it to reconstruct the development of published articles and analyze editorial motivations.

While Correctiv is utilizing the information for investigative purposes, the exact method by which they obtained the illegally acquired material remains unclear. Correctiv has denied involvement in the initial “procurement of datasets.”