Many of the most impactful investigative stories in journalism begin with a single tip from a source who has firsthand knowledge or access to revealing documents. At The Verge, tips have helped shed light on corporate misconduct, government oversight failures, and the hidden consequences of technology on everyday life. But for sources to come forward safely, secure communication channels are essential. This guide outlines the recommended methods for sending tips to The Verge editorial team, with a focus on protecting your identity and avoiding surveillance.

Why Secure Communication Matters

In an era of mass data collection and increasing threats to whistleblowers, using unencrypted communication methods—such as standard email without encryption, phone calls, or social media direct messages—can expose you to risks. Governments, corporations, and malicious actors may intercept messages, trace identities, and retaliate against sources. Historical cases like the Pentagon Papers, the Snowden revelations, and recent whistleblower protections highlight the importance of secure channels. By following best practices, you can minimize these risks and ensure that your information reaches journalists without unnecessary exposure.

Email: The Easiest Way to Reach Us

For most tips, email remains the simplest method. The primary tip line is tips@theverge.com. However, if you are at risk of reprisals—for example, if you are a government employee or contractor, or if the information you hold could endanger your job or personal safety—you should take additional precautions. Never use your work email, Wi-Fi network, or device to send a tip. Work computers and networks are often monitored, and emails can be logged even after deletion. Instead, use a personal device on a public Wi-Fi network (such as a library or café) or a trusted home connection. Consider creating a new, anonymous email account through a service like ProtonMail or Tutanota, which offer end-to-end encryption and do not log IP addresses.

Signal: Encrypted Messaging for Sensitive Tips

For highly sensitive information, Signal is the recommended app. Signal is an open-source messaging platform that provides end-to-end encryption for text messages, calls, file transfers, and group chats. This means only you and the recipient can read the content. Signal stores your phone number and the last time you accessed the app, but it does not retain who you communicate with or the actual content of conversations. To maximize security, download Signal from the official website or app store, and avoid using your work phone. When setting up Signal, use a separate phone number—perhaps a prepaid burner phone number—to further anonymize your identity. Depending on the version of Signal you are using, you may need to add the recipient’s number as a contact before initiating a conversation. Once the conversation has started, you can delete the contact from your phonebook. Signal also offers disappearing messages, which can be set to self-destruct after a certain time, adding an extra layer of protection.

Specific Staff Contacts

If you have a tip for a particular reporter or editor, you can find their email address and Signal number on their author pages, linked from the staff list on The Verge website. Reaching out directly to the appropriate journalist can expedite the reporting process. However, if you are unsure, the general tip line is a safe bet—the editorial team will route your tip to the right person.

Additional Security Guidelines from the Freedom of the Press Foundation

The Freedom of the Press Foundation (FPF) offers extensive resources for sources and journalists. They recommend the following steps to lock down security on Signal and other tools:

• Enable registration lock on Signal to prevent someone from registering your number on another device.
• Disable link previews, as previews can send information about your identity to third-party servers.
• Use a strong password or PIN to protect your device, and consider using full-disk encryption.
• Regularly update apps and operating systems to patch security vulnerabilities.
• For highly sensitive communications, consider using a VPN in addition to Signal to mask your IP address.

These steps are particularly important if you are communicating from a country with repressive surveillance laws or if you believe you may become a target of harassment or legal action.

Types of Tips We Seek

The Verge is always looking for information about the companies and products that shape how we live, insight into government agencies responsible for regulating technology and the environment, and stories about the human impact of innovation. Evidence is crucial: firsthand experience, internal documents, confidential reports, or verified data will strengthen the credibility of your tip. Hunches and speculation are less useful. If you have encountered something that the public should know about—such as a safety defect, a privacy violation, or unethical business practices—do not hesitate to reach out.

Important Note on Privacy and Security

This page itself is served over HTTPS without third-party analytics or ad trackers, in accordance with best practices recommended by the Freedom of the Press Foundation. This means that when you visit this guideline page, your behavior is not being tracked by external advertising networks. However, always remember that no communication channel is 100% foolproof. Law enforcement agencies with proper legal authority may compel tech companies to provide metadata or content. If you are deeply concerned about anonymity, consider using anonymous drop systems like SecureDrop, though The Verge does not currently operate a SecureDrop instance. In such cases, you may also consult with an attorney or a digital security expert before sending any material.

Ultimately, the integrity of journalism depends on sources who are willing to speak truth to power. By using these secure methods, you can help ensure that important stories come to light while protecting yourself. The Verge editorial team is committed to protecting sources' identities and handling all tips with discretion. If you have information that can make a difference, we encourage you to use these channels to get in touch.

Source:The Verge News