An undercover report allows journalists to gain insights into situations that would be difficult or impossible to access without infiltrating a system or community. The technique enables journalists to capture authentic narratives and emotional truths, making complex issues more relatable for readers. Undercover reporting can enrich long-form journalism by allowing reporters to expose the human impact behind societal problems, such as poverty, corruption, and abuse within institutions.

This type of investigative journalism can pose significant ethical challenges, as it requires a level of deception that runs counter to many of the ethical principles that journalism upholds. GIJN members frequently discuss the moral dilemmas involved in undercover reporting and explore how to navigate its pitfalls.

Before pursuing an undercover investigation, journalists must do thorough research to ensure they have a plan for how they will achieve their reporting goals. This includes researching legal perils, assessing whether the information will be publishable, and developing an exit strategy for when the reporting is complete.

Journalists should also consider the effect the operation will have on them and the people they interact with, including potential mental health impacts. In addition, they should develop a communication plan for how to alert their team if they are in danger or the ruse is blown, such as by using a device that immediately alerts a journalist nearby to signal trouble.

Despite the ethical challenges of undercover reporting, this type of investigation can be powerful when used correctly to promote social change. For example, Gunter Wallraff’s work on exposing employment conditions at German factories and Donal MacIntyre’s investigations into the Adventure Sports industry both have had ripple effects across society.