Hacks/Hackers July meetup

We are once again on the move. The wonderful people at digital agency LBi have kindly invited us to use their space on Brick Lane.

Drinks are provided. They are being sponsored by Memfy (http://www.memfy.com/), a platform for storying and sharing personal memories.

All are welcome to attend. We ask that you sign up so that we know to expect you and get an idea of numbers.

We gather at 6.30pm with talks starting at 7pm.

1. Security and sources: Living in the real world

James Ball, data editor, the Guardian

Protecting sources is one of journalism's central tenets. In a world with sweeping legal powers and global surveillance, it's also one that's only getting harder.

How do you know which risks are real and which aren't? How secure is secure enough? Is there such a thing as taking too many precautions (spoiler: often, there is)?

This talk offers a take on navigating 21st century secure comms, real-world security, and the hazards of the know-nothing know-it-alls that plague the security field.

Note that James will be appearing via video link.

2. Drone journalism: Learning to fly

Tom Hannen and Owain Rich, BBC Global Video

Tom Hannen and Owain Rich work in the BBC's Global Video Unit as part of the Innovation Team. Tom and Owain are currently learning how to build, fly and film with small unmanned multi-rotor helicopters.

They'll talk about why they decided to do the project, what the issues are around getting something like this up and running inside a news organisation, UK aviation rules, and a bit about how the copters work, with a couple of video examples.

3. State: Gathering opinion on drones and Prism

Alexander Asseily and Jiten Bhagat, State

Alexander Asseily, chairman and co-founder of State (https://state.com/), will talk about the global opinion network – and mention why Prism and drone journalism are topics that have sparked much conversation on the platform.

Jiten Bhagat, who is lead platform developer, will explain a bit about the build and will be on hand to answer questions.

Lightning talks

Marcus Mustafa, head of UX at LBi

Libby Powell, OnOurRadar