undercoverwerk

Undercoverwerk is a multidisciplinary platform and research initiative that examines undercover practices across journalism, law enforcement, anthropology, and art. It approaches undercover work as a social practice, considering ethics, safety, and representation rather than merely techniques.

Originating in Berlin in 2015 as a collaboration among researchers, filmmakers, and performance artists, Undercoverwerk grew into an international network with an online archive and regional workshops.

The platform curates case studies, interviews, and experimental performances; it maintains an ethics guideline and risk assessment framework; it hosts public events, seminars, and a yearly symposium; it publishes reports and open-access essays.

Its work has contributed to discussions on consent, transparency, and accountability in undercover contexts and is used by educators, journalists, and policy researchers.

While praised for its critical stance and methodological openness, it has faced debates about the potential normalization of undercover practices and safety concerns.

See also: Undercover journalism; field research; ethnography; ethics in research; performance art.