Deaths in controversial and contested circumstances include deaths in custody, immigration detention, health care, at borders and following disasters.In Australia and internationally it is evident that institutional responses to contested deaths are inadequate and fail to address families’ and communities’ demands for transparency, public scrutiny and accountability. The Guardian’s Deaths Inside database and the website Deathscapes are excellent digital initiatives dedicated to raising awareness.Our panel reflect on these important initiatives and discuss how activism and advocacy can increase transparency and obtain justice.TIMESTAMPS: