Some of the most important stories in journalism begin with tips from people who see something wrong and want to bring it to light. Whether it is corporate misconduct, government overreach, or a technology that threatens privacy, insider knowledge can be the spark that ignites a crucial investigation. As a news organization, we are always looking for information that can help us understand the companies, products, and agencies that shape our world. But we also know that coming forward can be risky. That is why we have established multiple secure channels for receiving tips, and why we take source protection seriously.
Evidence is the cornerstone of any good tip. Firsthand experience, internal documents, or revealing communications are far more useful than a suspicion. If you have encountered something that you believe the public should know about, we want to hear from you. The following guide explains the safest ways to reach us and what to consider before sending sensitive information.
Email: The Easiest Option
Email remains the most straightforward method for sharing tips. Our general tips address is tips@example.com (substitute with the actual address). However, if you are at risk of reprisals from your employer or government, you must take precautions. Never use your work email, work Wi-Fi, or a work device. These are often monitored by your employer and can be subpoenaed. Instead, use a personal computer or a device you control, and consider creating a temporary email account through a service like ProtonMail or Tutanota, which offer end-to-end encryption. Also, avoid using public Wi-Fi without a VPN, as it can be intercepted. For maximum security, encrypt any attachments with a password and share the password through a separate channel (such as Signal).
Signal: Encrypted Messaging for Tipsters
For those who prefer instant messaging, Signal provides a high level of security. Signal is an open-source app that encrypts both text messages and voice calls end-to-end. By default, Signal stores your phone number and the last time you accessed the app, but it does not store who you communicate with. This makes it a strong choice for confidential tips. To use Signal for tipping, download the app on a personal phone—never your work phone. After installation, you can reach our tips account or specific staff members whose Signal numbers are listed on our author pages. Depending on your version of Signal, you may need to add a number as a contact before starting a conversation. After the conversation begins, you can delete the contact. The Freedom of the Press Foundation recommends additional steps such as enabling disappearing messages and disabling read receipts for extra privacy.
Signal also lets you send images, videos, and documents. If you have a large file, consider breaking it into parts or using a secure file transfer service in conjunction with Signal. Remember that while Signal protects the content of your messages, metadata like the time you sent a message and your IP address could still be exposed if your phone's security is compromised. Use a VPN to hide your IP address when using Signal on mobile data or Wi-Fi.
Beyond Email and Signal: Other Secure Options
Some tipsters may require even stronger anonymity. If you believe you are being actively watched, you can use the Tor Browser to access our secure drop or a dedicated page that does not log IP addresses. For extremely sensitive materials, consider using a dead drop or a public library computer with Tor. The key is to break any digital trail that could lead back to you. Encrypted file transfer platforms like OnionShare allow you to send files over the Tor network without revealing your identity. Always remember that no method is 100% secure, but combining multiple layers—such as Tor, VPN, encrypted email, and Signal—makes surveillance much more difficult.
How Your Tip Is Handled
Once you send a tip, it enters our newsroom's secure system. Editors review submissions daily, but due to the volume, we cannot personally respond to every tip. If your tip is selected for investigation, a journalist may reach out to you through the same secure channel you used. We treat all source identities as confidential, and we have policies in place to protect your anonymity unless you explicitly agree to go on the record. We follow ethical guidelines set by organizations like the Society of Professional Journalists to ensure that sources are not exposed without their consent. If you have legal concerns, we recommend consulting an attorney before submitting materials that could incriminate you.
Historical examples show how tips can lead to major public interest stories. The Watergate scandal, the Panama Papers, and the Snowden revelations all began with sources who took great personal risk. Modern journalism relies on these brave individuals, and we are committed to providing the safest possible environment for them to share information. We also encourage tipsters to consider the long-term impact of their disclosure: will it serve the public interest? Are there innocent individuals who could be harmed? Responsible journalism involves careful verification and ethical considerations.
For those who wish to send tips anonymously, we recommend avoiding any digital service that requires personal identifying information such as your real email address or phone number. Use pseudonyms and only communicate through channels that do not leave a trace on your phone or computer. If you must use a phone, consider using a burner device or a prepaid SIM card bought with cash. Every step you take to reduce your digital footprint increases the likelihood that your identity will remain protected.
We also acknowledge that some tipsters may have valuable information but are not in a position to share documents or recordings. A verbal tip or a detailed description of events can also be helpful. In such cases, the reporter can guide you on what kind of evidence would strengthen the story. Trust is built over time; do not feel pressured to share everything at once. Establish a rapport with the journalist and agree on terms of communication before divulging sensitive details.
Finally, we want to emphasize that this page itself is served over HTTPS without third-party analytics or ad trackers, following best practices set by the Freedom of the Press Foundation. That means no external scripts are logging your visit, and your connection is encrypted. We take these measures because we understand that even reading this page could be risky in some environments. If you are concerned about being observed, view this article in a private browser window while not logged into any accounts, and clear your browsing history after reading. Your safety is our priority.
We hope this guide encourages you to come forward if you have information that matters. The public deserves to know the truth, and you can help us uncover it.
Source:The Verge News